Stryker co-founds sustainable products coalition

Stryker has helped to co-found a coalition of 17 healthcare suppliers that will aim to promote purchasing of environmentally-friendly products.

The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Business Leadership Coalition has been established in association with Practice Greenhealth and will advance the use of greener products and processes through improved procurement transparency.

Members will work together to develop more sustainable products, identify materials of concern and to encourage recycling and reuse of devices, while also educating hospitals, healthcare suppliers and group purchasing organisations on best practice issues.

Brian White, president of Stryker's sustainability solutions division, said: "Hospitals are asking suppliers to step up and become partners in this effort. It is critical that as suppliers, we begin working towards more environmentally responsible products and solutions."

Last month, the company announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2012, reporting a 7.2 percent year-on-year increase in sales thanks to its recent product initiatives and geographic expansion.