Iodine Recycling Program of the Affidea Group in cooperation with BAYER.
ENVIRONMENT
BUSINESS: 438 PRACTICES
TOPIC:
Initiative
SUBMITTED FROM:
AFFIDEA
Objective Action
Affidea Greece consistently undertakes initiatives to balance economic growth through its nationwide network with the need to protect the environment. The aim is to reduce its ecological footprint by incorporating best practices of sustainable development in its strategic planning. Specifically, through the re:contrast programme, the need for new iodine is reduced, as both its extraction and its presence in water is reduced, as its recovery and re-use means that it is not released into wastewater.
Target Audience
Radiologic technologists and medical imaging professionals operating diagnostic imaging equipment, such as CT scanners, where contrast media are administered as part of the examination process.
At the same time, through its communications, it reaches patients and the wider public, aiming to raise awareness about the responsible management of materials used in healthcare services.
Duration
From 2023 until today.
Description
This is a innovative project to recycle iodine residues from contrast media used in CT scans. Affidea diagnostic centers use special recovery vessels with the residues of the contrast medium. The filled vessels are then collected and sent to Bayer's Bergkamen facility, where the iodine is recovered. The recovered iodine is given to resellers and can be used for many other purposes, but not for contrast agents/pharmaceuticals.
more...
Impact on Society
Already since the start of the programme until today, a total of 36L of residues of contrast media have been collected.
For radiologic technologists, medical imaging equipment operators and physicians involved in the diagnostic process on a daily basis, the re programme demonstrates that clinical excellence can go hand in hand with environmental responsibility, without compromising the quality or safety of patient care.
The initiative has strengthened environmental awareness among healthcare professionals by fostering a culture of responsible management of the materials used in diagnostic imaging procedures. At the same time, it has highlighted the important role of healthcare staff in advancing the principles of the circular economy, empowering them to become active contributors to an innovative and sustainable practice.
The programme encourages employee engagement in initiatives with a positive social and environmental impact, reinforces a shared sense of responsibility and pride, and demonstrates that even routine operational processes can make a meaningful contribution to the sustainable transformation of the healthcare sector.
Initiative Location
Affidea Group Diagnostic Centers in the region of Attica.
Working with Organization
Bayer
Workers Participation
Administrative and allied healthcare professionals across the healthcare facilities, together with the Operations & Medical Department and the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Department of Affidea Greece, comprising a total of 36 participants.
More...…
Benefits for Οrganization
Since the launch of the re:contrast program in September 2023, a total of 35 litres of contrast agent residues have been collected from 7 Affidea diagnostic centres. This quantity represents the documented outcome of implementing the collection process as part of the program.
To support its implementation, 8 training sessions/informational meetings were held, with the participation of 28 employees. The training focused on the collection process and the role of staff in the responsible management of these specific residues.
The initiative enables participating healthcare professionals to contribute to the organised collection of these materials through their day-to-day work, with the aim of raising awareness and encouraging their participation in responsible materials management practices.
Connection with Global Goals
More Initiatives from Organization
An initiative addressing the ‘silent’ disease: Prevention and early diagnosis of Hepatitis C among inmates by Affidea
