Podcast: Supporting the medtech industry to achieve its climate protection and sustainability goals
Dr Christina Ziegenberg, Deputy Director General of the German industry association (BVMed) explains what changes are happening in Europe and their effects on the medtech industry
Listen to Christina discuss the following:
- BVMed has recently established an Environment and Sustainability Department to place a stronger focus on climate protection and sustainability goals in the association’s work. What general topics will this Department be addressing and what impact does it hope to have?
- Part of the EU’s 2020 agreement on its COVID-19 recovery plan is the introduction of a new packaging tax – from January 2021 – on all non-recyclable plastic packaging waste handled by Member States, with proceeds going towards the EU budget. How has this tax affected medical device manufacturers, as they are likely to be quite restricted legally in the response they can take?
- A major challenge for the medtech industry in the coming years is going to be the European Commission’s aim of making Europe the first climate-neutral continent. In July 2021, the Commission presented its “Fit for 55” work programme, which provides for an abundance of tightened and new EU Directives and Regulations. Greenhouse gases are to be reduced by at least 55% by 2030 and Europe is to be made climate neutral by 2050. As these fundamental changes will apply to the products and processes of medical technologies, how does BVMed plan to support medtech companies through these transitions?
