Creating solutions to achieve optimal healthcare outcomes often requires complex production processes and the handling of many different substances. Mölnlycke is committed to the safe use of all substances at every stage of design and production. We systematically identify, classify, and assess the risks of all substances to ensure that potential hazards are identified and controlled.
Our program continually reviews substances as their regulatory status changes and prevents the introduction of hazardous substances into our operations. The output from our hazardous substance assessment program is fully integrated into our Sustainable Product Portfolio Assessment (SPPA) process, which is implemented across most Mölnlycke businesses. This direct link ensures timely and appropriate management of identified substances within our product portfolio.
We focus particularly on substances that are hazardous or may be hazardous in the future, aiming to minimise and replace them whenever possible. This process is embedded in rigorous review and rating systems, along with portfolio-level analysis and reporting, to ensure the continual removal of hazardous substances from our value chain. Our ongoing program of research, development, and supplier interaction seeks technologies to replace these substances. When replacement is not feasible, hazardous substances may only be used when their safe use and adequate controls can be demonstrated, protecting our teams, stakeholders, and the environment.
Careful handling of hazardous substances and preventing their release into the environment are requirements of the ISO 45001 standard for occupational health and safety management and the ISO 14001 standard for environmental management. Mölnlycke is globally certified to these standards and regularly audited by an accredited body to ensure conformance.