Switch to reusable linen halves intensive care carbon emissions

Switching from disposable to reusable linen in intensive care units (ICU) can cut carbon emissions by 50%. 

Sunshine Hospital ICU introduced reusable incontinence pads, often called blueys and pinkies (fusion pads) to replace single-use products. 

The change reduced waste and had a major environmental benefit. 

It prevented 2.2 tonnes of waste from landfill — about the weight of a small elephant.  

It also reduced carbon emissions from 7,206 to 3,605 kg (CO₂ equivalent). 

Disposable underpads are used in ICUs to absorb fluids and protect bedding, clothing and surfaces.  

Because they are thrown away, they create large amounts of waste. 

Some single-use products can take more than 100 years to break down. 

A collaborative research effort 

Sunshine Hospital ICU Equipment Nurse Kylie Feely co-led the research with Stacey Matthews from Deakin University's School of Nursing and Midwifery and the Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research. 

‘One of the main findings of the study was that we can reduce carbon emissions by 50%,’ Kylie said.  

The study found the change reduced landfill waste by the equivalent of around 55 full kerbside rubbish bins.  

It also prevented 3.6 tonnes of emissions from being produced, which is the equivalent to driving 1.3 laps around Australia in a car. 

The study found these environmental benefits came with only a small cost increase of around 3%. 

The research was a collaboration between Western Health, Deakin University and the Healthcare Carbon Lab at the University of Melbourne. 

The lab undertook a study that looked at the environmental impact from production through to disposal.  

This includes manufacturing, transport, laundering and waste. 

The study compared data before and after reusable linen was introduced between 2022 and 2024. 

(Left to right) Meet some of the research team: Mariana Ibarra Barrios, Cath O'Shea, Kylie Feely, Stacey Matthews and Michelle Pinan 

Safe for patients, better for the environment 

A second study by the team found that reusable linen did not increase pressure injuries in ICU patients. 

Pressure injuries can affect a patient's recovery and may lead to longer hospital stays. 

The study of more than 2,000 patients found pressure injuries decreased after reusable linen was introduced. 

The research also found reusable linen was well accepted by staff and reduced landfill waste by nearly 500 kg each year. 

Reducing healthcare’s environmental footprint 

Western Health Anaesthetist and Intensive Care Physician Professor Forbes McGain said reducing healthcare waste was critical.  

‘In 2014–15, the Australian healthcare sector was responsible for approximately 7.2% of the nation’s total emissions,’ Professor McGain said. 

‘Reusable products have an important role to play in making healthcare more sustainable.’ 

Professor McGain is also the Associate Dean Healthcare Sustainability at the University of Melbourne. 

He said studies show reusable items — including protective equipment, devices and medical supplies — can reduce both waste and cost. 

Professor Rochelle Wynne, Chair of Nursing in the Western Health–Deakin University Partnership, said nurses are well placed to lead positive sustainable change. 

She said routine ICU care, such as hygiene and linen use, generates significant waste which means small changes can make a big difference. 

The use of reusable pads has expanded across Western Health and to several Victorian health services.