It's estimated that a COVID-19 rapid test contains about 10-grams of plastic that heads to the landfill immediately after use, which is something the 'Gelassette' COVID-19 test is designed to combat against.
Designed by Luis Fernando Sanchez Barrios, the rapid test has a 100% plastic-free design and maintains a gelatin-based form. The test will thus biodegrade in soil in four weeks and offers less than three-hours of water dispersibility, which makes it a far less resource-intensive alternative to existing health tests on the market.
The 'Gelassette' COVID-19 test shows promise to decrease waste during the ongoing pandemic, but could also be used with additional lateral flow tests to further reduce healthcare waste. The test identifies ways in which the medical field could be made more sustainable with small changes that add up in the longterm.
Biodegradable COVID-19 Tests
The 'Gelassette' COVID-19 Test Has a Plastic-Free Design
Trend Themes
1. Biodegradable Medical Supplies - Developing eco-friendly medical supply alternatives, such as biodegradable personal protective equipment, reducing plastic consumption in healthcare.
2. Eco-conscious Lab Testing - Incorporating sustainable materials and methods into laboratory testing processes to reduce environmental impact and waste generation.
3. Gelatin-based Innovations - Leveraging gelatin-based materials to create biodegradable products for various industries, promoting circular economy practices.
Industry Implications
1. Sustainable Healthcare - Revamping existing healthcare systems by integrating sustainability practices, encouraging a more environmentally friendly approach to medical services.
2. Green Biotechnology - Developing innovative biodegradable materials and eco-friendly solutions for various applications, fueling growth in the biotechnology sector.
3. Waste Management - Expanding waste management strategies to accommodate biodegradable medical waste, propelling new opportunities in waste treatment and disposal.