Sustainability in Manufacturing Offers Opportunities for Growth & InnovationSustainability in Manufacturing Offers Opportunities for Growth & Innovation

Sustainability is not just the right thing to do. Sustainability can also be a strategic imperative that drives business success and differentiation, Kate Benedict shared in an interview with Design News. Benedict, president of the health solutions business group at Flex, will be presenting a session at MD&M West 2025 entitled“Achieving End-to-End Sustainable Medical Manufacturing,” in which she will provide some actionable and provocative insights in the journey toward a company’s sustainability goals.

Benedict will encourage her session’s attendees to think critically about their sustainability strategies and to view this journey as an opportunity for growth and innovation in their organizations. She will also present case studies from Flex’s partnerships with OEM customers to showcase how sustainable practices have successfully been implemented and the measurable impacts they achieved.

Design News recently connected with Benedict to ask her a few questions. 

Can you tell our readers a little bit about what you will be presenting at MD&M West?    

Benedict: I will be presenting on the critical journey toward achieving end-to-end sustainable medical manufacturing. My session will cover strategic plans and measuring circularity outcomes. I will discuss the complexities and challenges that healthcare companies face today, regarding sustainability goals. Sustainability goes beyond just measuring environmental impacts; it includes proactive thinking to enable forward logistics, reverse logistics, and circular economy practices. This encompasses materials selection, design choices, and every step along the entire product lifecycle, from concept to end of life. I will highlight tangible opportunities such as reducing scrap, optimizing transportation, using sustainable-friendly materials, and localization in this growing global market. By breaking down the sustainability journey, I aim to provide actionable and provocative insights that can help organizations navigate this multifaceted landscape.

Related:Sustainable Manufacturing Expo Hits North America

Why is this topic important for medical device manufacturers?

Benedict: Sustainability is increasingly becoming a priority for medical device manufacturers due to growing regulatory pressures, consumer expectations, and the need to minimize environmental impact. Many European tenders and RFPs now include sustainability requirements, making it essential for companies to adopt this shift to access new business opportunities. The healthcare industry is recognizing the urgent need to address waste, highlighting the imperative for manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices. By embracing sustainability, companies can enhance their brand reputation, drive operational efficiencies, and ultimately gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Related:Schneider Electric, HP to Keynote First Sustainable Manufacturing Expo

If a company is not currently implementing a sustainability program, how can they begin? What steps would you suggest they begin with?

Benedict: Our Flex sustainability team is really the expert here. They always recommend that a company start with what they can manage and prioritize, aligning with their strategy. There are many ways to start, and each company’s journey must be customized. I look forward to sharing more ideas during the presentation.

Does a company need to incorporate all of the things you describe in the brief synopsis of your session that the conference published?

While it may not be necessary for every company to implement all the strategies discussed, it is essential to adopt a tailored approach that aligns with their specific goals and capabilities. Each organization’s sustainability journey is unique, and companies should prioritize initiatives that will have the most significant impact based on their operations and market position. The key is to start with manageable steps and gradually expand their sustainability efforts as they gain experience and resources.

What do you hope your attendees will take away from your session?

Benedict: I hope attendees leave with a clear understanding that sustainability is a journey, not a destination. They should recognize the importance of taking actionable steps toward sustainability, regardless of where they currently stand. My goal is to provide practical insights and strategies that can inspire implementation within their organizations. 

Additionally, I want them to feel motivated to collaborate and share best practices with peers in the industry, fostering a collective effort toward a more sustainable future in medical manufacturing. It's crucial to understand that this sustainability journey requires subject matter experts and those who have the roadmap for your journey. With 20 years of sustainability investment and experience, at Flex, we can help advance value chain sustainability. Sustainability is embedded in our DNA and our manufacturing operations.

I will share use cases from Flex sites that have been recognized in the Global Lighthouse Network for demonstrating leadership through manufacturing excellence, the deployment of Industry 4.0 technologies, and a commitment to sustainability

Who should attend your session?

Benedict: My session is designed for a diverse audience, including senior executives, strategic leaders, sustainability officers, product managers, operations, and R&D engineers within the medtech and healthcare sector. The session will focus on smart design and manufacturing choices as it will be about sustainability. 

Anyone involved in decision-making processes related to product development, supply chain management, or corporate sustainability will benefit from the insights shared. Additionally, those interested in understanding the broader implications of sustainability in healthcare and how it can drive innovation, efficiency, and differentiation should attend.

Benedict will present, “Achieving End-to-End Sustainable Medical Manufacturing,” on Tuesday, February 4, from 2:15 to 3 p.m., in Room 202AB at MD&M West.

And to learn even more about sustainable manufacturing, be sure to check out sister show Sustainable Manufacturing Expo held February 4-5. Both events will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center.