ArticleBJU international2026
From fossil to bio-circular plastics: the environmental benefits of bio-attributed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene in single-use cystoscopes.
Article in BJU international, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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7 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundSingle-use cystoscopes are increasingly adopted in urology, but concerns regarding their environmental footprint persist. Substituting conventional fossil-based plastics with bio-attributed materials may reduce life cycle impacts, yet the magnitude and robustness of this benefit remain uncertain.
objectiveTo evaluate the environmental performance of a single-use flexible cystoscope (aScope™ 4 Cysto; Ambu A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark) incorporating bio-attributed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (Bio-ABS) using a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA).
methodsAn attributional LCA was performed according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14040/44 standards, investigating the impact of the introduction of Bio-ABS (50:50 mass balance with fossil feedstock). The functional unit was one cystoscopy procedure. System boundaries included raw material extraction, manufacturing and sterilisation, packaging, distribution, use, and end-of-life treatment. Two geographic scenarios were evaluated (UK and USA). Climate change (kg CO
resultsThe total carbon footprint of the cystoscope decreased from 1.63 to 1.46 kg CO
conclusionsIncorporating bio-attributed plastics into single-use cystoscopes yields a consistent reduction in life cycle carbon footprint. While material substitution provides measurable benefits, packaging redesign and optimised logistics represent additional opportunities for environmental impact reduction. These findings inform sustainable endoscopic practice and highlight the importance of transparent life cycle modelling in medical device evaluation.
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