Suppliers of in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVD-MD) in the age of sustainable development: A 2025 overview

In a context where public procurement of biomedical equipment is increasingly taking environmental criteria into account, this article presents a 2025 overview of sustainable development commitments among major suppliers of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical devices, specifically in biochemistry, hematology, and hemostasis. Through interviews and document analysis, the study evaluates suppliers’ initiatives against ISO 14001 (environmental management), ISO 50001 (energy performance), and carbon footprint reporting frameworks. Many companies report ISO certifications alongside concrete actions, including reductions in carbon emissions, energy optimization measures (e.g., renewable energy use, light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, solar panels), water stewardship, and recycling of medical and industrial waste. The analysis reveals that sustainability criteria are often underweighted in procurement processes compared with financial considerations. The article offers recommendations to strengthen environmental requirements in hospital purchasing, notably by requiring verifiable evidence of certifications and measurable outcomes. It also highlights the importance of incorporating scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions into carbon footprint reporting in line with recent French legislation, presenting this integration as a key driver for the ecological transition in the health care sector. The article advocates for better-structured corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies across the IVD sector, encouraging companies to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and adopt a more holistic and measurable approach to environmental responsibility.