01/11/2026
Innovation is often associated with new technologies and better products. Today, it is also about finding ways to reduce environmental impact while continuing to meet the needs of healthcare professionals and patients.
That means sustainability considerations are becoming part of everyday product development decisions, helping teams balance performance, safety and efficiency.
For Mark Schmelzer, Senior Director Solution Management, Airway, Bronchoscopy, ENT and Neuro & Spine, that integration is key: "Sustainability works best in everyday decisions rather than as a separate initiative."
One example is our C-MAC™ portfolio, which combines reusable and single-use solutions. Ongoing innovation has helped reduce material consumption while maintaining the performance clinicians expect in critical care settings.
Mark believes sustainability delivers the greatest impact when it is embedded in how decisions are made every day, rather than approached as a standalone activity.
"That's how meaningful progress happens and how sustainability and performance can advance together," he adds.
Learn more in our Sustainability Progress Report: https://brnw.ch/21x6OGN