ImpactAlpha, September 1 — Hospitals generate more than five million tons of waste yearly, according to Greenhealth, including gowns, gloves, syringes and more.
Mexico City-based MEDU Protection, launched by former chemist Tamaro Chayo, provides reusable protective garments, from surgical gowns to head coverings and full-body suits. “The products can be reused for up to 50 washes, so you can use the same gown instead of changing into a different one, which saves money and waste,” said Chayo.
The garments come with a mobile app that helps keep track of each wash. After 50 washes, garments are returned to MEDU for disinfection and conversion into scrubs and sustainable packaging.
U.S. expansion
MEDU says it has deployed around 7,000 of its medical garments to hospitals in Mexico, Los Angeles and New York since January. By the end of 2022, MEDU aims to divert 6,000 tons of hospital waste from landfills and incinerators. Early-stage venture firm MaC Ventures Capital led the round, with participation from Halcyon Fund and angel investors.
