# Biodegradable Bedpans Eco-Friendly Hospital Gear from Vernacare By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2009-03-05 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-bedpans-eco-friendly-hospital-gear-from-vernacare References: [treehugger](http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/03/biodegradable-bed-pans-the-latest-in-green-hospital-gear.php) & [vernacare](http://www.vernacare.ca/) Vernacare is a medical supply company that produces [biodegradable bedpans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loop-biotech), liners and similar gear made from recycled telephone books and beeswax. This pulp-like product isn’t cold like a metal bedpan, so it’s also potentially more comfortable for the patient. Giant buildings like hospitals and medical centers inherently produce [a lot of waste](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-composting-technology), so it’s nice to see some green measures undertaken where they’re appropriate. With the ever-growing concern for the environment, we’ll continue to see a number of [eco-friendly features within the medical field](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nextgeneration-medical-bed). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 1% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Biodegradable Medical Supplies:** There is an opportunity to develop and market biodegradable versions of other medical supplies beyond bedpans. - **Eco-friendly Healthcare:** Eco-friendliness can expand to other areas of healthcare, such as reducing plastic waste. - **Sustainable Manufacturing:** Manufacturing companies can innovate by developing and utilizing sustainable materials and production methods. ### Who This Affects Most - **Medical Supply:** Medical supply companies can develop similar eco-friendly products, cutting down on plastic use within the healthcare industry. - **Manufacturing:** Manufacturing companies can create sustainable products and methods like Vernacare did with its recycled telephone book and beeswax bedpans. - **Green Technology:** There is an opportunity to grow sustainable technologies, such as waste-reduction systems for hospitals and other healthcare providers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bio-Based Single-Use Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/verigreen-plus.md) - [Eco-Friendly Covid Test Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surescreen-diagnostics.md) - [Biotransformable Cup Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/verigreen.md) - [Sustainable Decomposing Containers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rootmaker.md) - [Sustainable Medical Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coveris-1.md) - [Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/medicalgrade-stainless-steel-toothbrush.md) - [Sustainable Timber-Made Toilets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woodio-block-toilet.md) - [Biodegradable Period Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iris-arlo-pads.md) - [Biodegradable Undergarments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sparepair-underwear.md)