Healthcare facilities worldwide are taking steps to not only care for the health of their patients, but also the health of our planet. This is accomplished by using less, avoiding chemicals of concern, increasing waste reduction opportunities, or advancing energy and water efficiency. As anchors of the community, these facilities’ purchasing choices can impact their local environment, and can influence the greater economy. Practice Greenhealth estimates that healthcare represents 18% of the US economy and 10% of the global economoy.¹

Given healthcare’s sizable segment, small improvements made by individual healthcare facilities can drastically alter the green footprint. Additionally, hospital’s purchasing power can drive distributors and manufacturers to make sustainable products a larger part of their offerings. Having these products available allows other purchasers to make those same green choices. Workers within the hospital may implement green practices in their own homes, which impacts their family, friends and others in the society. These ripples of change radiate through the community centered on the healthcare facility.

The COVID pandemic created a dramatically spiked demand for single-use, disposable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers and the general population worldwide. While PPE is necessary for protecting frontline workers around the world, what is the cost to our planet? Solid waste, including PPE, can account for roughly 30% of a hospitals total waste², often ending up in landfills.

The ongoing need for PPE, providing droplet protection, will be part of our society for years to come. The healthcare industry would benefit from an inexpensive, simple solution that could meet the PPE needs of high-traffic areas of the facility.

• Something that would protect patients and visitors waiting for treatment.
• An option for lower-risk healthcare staff and key workers.
• A versatile product that would span from administrators greeting patients to food service workers.
• Perhaps most importantly, a product that would return to the Earth leaving as little footprint as possible.

EloShield was developed as a versatile, lightweight and fully compostable single-use face shield. Working with sustainability partners and advocacy groups, this plastic-free face shield was developed. EloShield is fully compostable, using cellulose from wood pulp for a clear, mist-free screen. The adjustable cardboard frame is a “one size fits all” band that accommodates wearers large and small.

Made by Transcend Packaging, champions of sustainable single-use products, EloShield was a result of their knowledge of paper products and the need for PPE. Now the largest producer of paper straws and a key supplier of PPE for the Welsh Government, Transcend has partnered with Eloquest to bring EloShield to the US marketplace. Transcend’s commitment to sustainably sourced materials are part of what makes them a leader in the European environmental community.

Whether you are just starting your journey towards a greener footprint, are already well on your way to net zero or just need PPE to meet the needs or your facility, EloShield can help. Eloquest Healthcare is committed to providing solutions that can help you protect your staff and patients for better outcomes in the facility, community and beyond.

For more information about EloShield, please contact Eloquest Healthcare®, or request a follow-up Here!.