Case - Wehlers & Novo Nordisk
Case Study Report
Novo Nordisk & Wehlers:
Transforming Medical Waste into Circular Design
The Circular4Zero Partnership
Wehlers was elected to collaborate with Novo Nordisk as part of their ambitious "Circular4Zero" program. This pioneering initiative is the core sustainability commitment within Novo Nordisk, focusing intensely on achieving zero environmental impact across their entire value chain. This strategic partnership specifically addresses the challenge of closing the loop on a critical and difficult-to-recycle stream: post-consumer medical plastic waste.
The Waste Challenge Solved
The core challenge was to define a pathway for giving new, high-value life to post-consumer injection pens (Pharma Blue). These specialized medical-grade plastics, after single use, are technically difficult to process via traditional routes, yet represent a highly concentrated resource. Through a newly established structured collection network across Scandinavian pharmacies and rigorous cleaning, Wehlers ensures this valuable material avoids harmful incineration or permanent landfill.
The R.U.M. Chair Solution
Wehlers strategically utilizes this refined recycled polymer to produce the innovative R.U.M. (Re.Used.Materials.) chair. This advanced process successfully converts complex medical waste into a highly durable, certified, and aesthetic component. The outcome is a design-forward chair that is intentionally designed and manufactured from the outset based on FULL circular principles, guaranteeing longevity and future recyclability.
The Full Circular Process
Injection pens are systematically collected by participating pharmacies across Scandinavia after consumer use.
The collected plastics are meticulously cleaned and processed, preparing the post-consumer waste for ReCycling.
The recycled material is molded into components for the R.U.M. chair, creating a new, valuable design piece.
The chair is designed for indefinite circulation. Wehlers ensures the product can be taken back and re-enter the production cycle.
The Result: A Fully Circular Product
This collaboration demonstrates that waste streams can be transformed into high-quality, long-lasting products, fulfilling the promise of the FULL circular economy and setting a new benchmark for industry collaboration. No one company can do this alone.