Sustainable electronics in health technology - Using environmental life cycle assessments for circular business models

Abstract

Electronic components in health technology offer new medical benefits. However, their increasing use contributes to electronic waste and environmental concerns. As a result, the health technology industry is under pressure to improve sustainability and move toward a circular economy. In this sector, the development of electronics is influenced by regulatory frameworks governing medical and electronic equipment. Thus, the circular business models (CBMs) must account for these special requirements to support sustainable value creation and reduce waste across the lifecycle. Within this context, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is used to assess environmental impacts of product systems. Although LCA can support the development of CBMs, integrating LCA findings into sustainable value creation remains challenging. This study examines how incorporating LCA results into CBMs can advance sustainability in the health technology sector. The analysis draws on qualitative data from 22 semi-structured interviews with industry professionals and academic researchers. The study focuses on the European health technology sector. Using the Gioia methodology in combination with system dynamics modeling, the study identifies factors that influence the integration of LCA into CBMs in this sector. In addition to contributing to research on LCA integration and CBMs in health technology, the study introduces the use of causal loop diagrams to visualize systemic interactions. The findings highlight regulatory limitations, skill gaps, financial constraints, and opportunities in stakeholder collaboration, digital tools, and eco-design. The paper concludes with strategic and managerial guidance for promoting the adoption of LCA within CBMs in the health technology sector.