Medical technology sector develops Industry Roadmap for CO2 Reduction
«From the industry – For the industry» is the motto of the regulatory conference hosted by Swiss Medtech. The objective is to exchange knowledge, experience, and advice. Since its inception in 2017, the event has evolved from an opportunity to discuss medical device regulations into a forum promoting exchange on a wide range of regulatory issues. Climate protection is currently the key topic – joining others such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and health data management.
Competitive advantage: Sustainability as a business strategy
The national Climate and Innovation Act, as well as compulsory reporting regarding sustainability and the European Industrial Green Deal affect the entire supply chain – from the purchase of raw materials through to production and recycling. «Those wishing to remain part of the supply chain must integrate climate protection into their corporate strategy and implement it into practice now. This is an important key to future market access and commercial success,» says Swiss Medtech Director Adrian Hunn.
Business entrepreneurs are also aware of this fact: Two years ago, 68 % of medtech companies in Switzerland were active regarding climate protection; today, this figure has risen to 74 %. A recently published industry study, however, highlights the need for support felt by many small and medium-sized companies. They require two things in particular: Firstly, a standardised solution for reporting, and secondly, practical guidance on how to achieve the net zero target. The association is working together with experts on both issues. «One of our key responsibilities is to help our members handle regulatory challenges in the most practical way possible,» says Adrian Hunn. Last year, the association hired a climate protection specialist and set up an Expert Group to share knowledge with member companies. It also regularly offers advice and further training and is currently working on an official Industry Roadmap.
Medtech leads the way: An Industry Roadmap to Decarbonisation
Results are expected by mid-2025: Swiss Medtech will then publish its Industry Roadmap to Decarbonisation. Intensive work is currently underway, in collaboration with experts from member companies and external consultants. The publication will summarise the findings and best practices of several representative medtech companies. It is intended to guide producing companies (manufacturers and suppliers) on how to reduce CO2 emissions in the most structured and efficient way possible – and ultimately achieve the net-zero target. «I am proud that the medical technology industry is leading the way. It comes as no surprise: in the recent past, this highly innovative industry has often proven its ability to meet challenges with agility and entrepreneurial spirit,» says Swiss Medtech President Damian Müller.
When it comes to reporting, Damian Müller has a clear message for government authorities: «Please maintain a sense of proportion! Small and medium-sized companies in particular should not be burdened by excessive administrative workload. Real practical measures benefit the environment – not bureaucracy.»
A need to raise awareness
Many small suppliers remain unaware that they too are affected by the obligation to report – not directly, but indirectly. Major companies are already demanding carbon footprint data from their suppliers. Those unable to provide this information will be excluded from the supply chain. Raphael Laubscher, the sixth generation to run the supplier enterprise Laubscher Präzision AG, is one of the early adopters of decarbonisation measures. The CEO is convinced: «Climate protection delivers a competitive advantage. Not only to gain customer approval, but also when it comes to recruiting employees.»
Swiss Medtech represents around 800 members in its role as industry association for Swiss medical technology. With 71,700 employees and a contribution of 11.9% to the positive trade balance, medical technology is an economically significant sector in Switzerland. Swiss Medtech advocates for conditions that enable the medtech industry to perform at peak capacity and provide first-class medical care.