Table 1 Potential opportunities for decarbonisation within the supply chain.

Alteration of procurement processes

Use of just-in-time versus just-in-case inventory management [15]

Introducing mandatory requirements for suppliers to decarbonise their own processes [1]

Pathway innovation to ensure efficient use of supplies

Optimising processes for decontaminating reusable equipment [16]

Promoting circularity of plastic materials and cutting down on single-use plastic [17]

Improving patient flow [18]

Product innovation to improve patient outcomes and reduce environmental impact

Opting for low-carbon substitutions [1]

Using durable treatments [14]