Advancing the circular economy of healthcare plastics: A systematic literature review

Despite their prevalence, healthcare plastics (HCPs) have been overlooked in circular economy (CE) discussions due to concerns over safety and complex regulatory requirements. This review provides insights, identifies challenges, and proposes future research directions in the field of CE for HCPs. A systematic literature review encompassed 242 articles selected for full-text analysis and 133 included in the main results. The findings indicate a trend toward increased implementation of eight CE strategies for HCPs after 2020. Our review of case studies highlights that recycling, although widely examined/implemented, is an insufficient solution. To address the challenges in adopting CE for HCPs, we recommend further research on product design, source segregation, environmental and human health impact assessments, and the roles of policy, economic incentives, and stakeholder collaboration in facilitating this transition. We conclude that an integrated approach that combines multiple strategies is essential for the sector's shift toward a circular plastic life cycle.