Irish Medtech report reveals decarbonisation essential to protect Ireland’s €20bn global hub
Irish Medtech, the Ibec group representing the medical technology sector, has today published “Irish Medtech: Pathways to Net Zero 2026” which offers new insights on the sector’s decarbonisation pathway. The report finds that direct operational emissions (Scope 1) generated from on-site manufacturing account for only a small fraction of a medtech product's total climate impact. In contrast, the vast majority of emissions lie beyond the factory gate in Scope 3, dominated by raw material extraction and processing (45-55%), alongside product use, end-of-life treatment, packaging and distribution. Consequently, achieving true net zero requires moving beyond factory operations to focus on sustainable product redesign, alternative materials and deep supplier engagement across the full value chain.
In the face of global change with new regulations affecting manufacturing, leaders must get ahead of the legislative changes to compete. David O’Flynn, Irish Medtech Sustainability Steering Committee Chair, and Global Sustainability Director at Teleflex, said: "Sustainability is increasingly recognised as an important component of long-term business resilience and competitiveness. By recognising the changing risks and opportunities, organisations can make thoughtful investments today that support future growth and stability”.
"The Irish medtech sector is well positioned to respond to emerging risks, based on its natural geographic and operational strengths that are inherent within global parent organisations and across international markets. By taking measured action now, companies can identify opportunities to improve efficiency, lower emissions and improve the impact on the environment, while strengthening their readiness for evolving customer expectations and regulatory requirements. There are clear 'no-regrets' opportunities available today that can deliver both environmental and business benefits, while laying the groundwork for long-term organisational success."
Key Findings:
- New benchmark report reveals 92% of Irish medtech firms view sustainability as a top or recognised strategic priority.
- Demonstrating momentum, nearly two-thirds of surveyed companies (64%) have already established greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets, including 20% aligned with the SBTi, while a further 24% are actively preparing to set theirs.
- 40% of companies have begun transitioning away from natural gas, yet 84% face major Scope 3 and grid infrastructure hurdles.
- Over 50% of companies are actively embedding sustainable product design principles, though supplier engagement remains in its early stages with only 12% operating comprehensive programs due to Scope 3 value-chain hurdles.
- Direct operational emissions (Scope 1) generated from on-site manufacturing account for only a small fraction of a medtech product's total climate impact. In contrast, the vast majority of emissions lie beyond the factory gate in Scope 3, dominated by raw material extraction and processing (45-55%), alongside product use, end-of-life treatment, packaging and distribution. Consequently, achieving true net zero requires moving beyond factory operations to focus on sustainable product redesign, alternative materials and deep supplier engagement across the full value chain.
- Startups and smaller or medium sized companies face resource constraints, limited leverage over global material markets and complex regulatory demands. To ensure a just transition that protects jobs, fosters innovation to address unmet clinical needs, and maintains Ireland's end-to-end supply chain resilience, Irish Medtech is calling on EU and Irish policymakers to deliver targeted supports.
Jenny Hughes, Environmental Sustainability Executive, Irish Medtech, added: "Decarbonisation in medtech is fundamentally a collective effort. Because our industry's purpose is to protect life and health, leading on climate action aligns directly with our core mission. Ireland has built an unparalleled medtech ecosystem over the last three decades but maintaining our competitive edge requires active collaboration between industry, government and policymakers. By investing in national grid infrastructure, streamlining regulatory pathways for sustainable materials and supporting our SME supply chain, Ireland can lead the global transition toward sustainable healthcare."
ENDS
Irish Medtech Pathways to Net Zero Industry Report pdf | 3849.7 kb
