Medical Waste Recycling
UNIDO/GEF-Demonstrated Sustainable Medical Waste Management in Southeast Asia
Learn more about Cuprina’s upcycling technology for a sustainable future in medical waste management.
Cuprina Holdings has exclusive rights to Southeast Asia’s first UNIDO/GEF-demonstrated medical waste recycling technology, developed and validated under the oversight of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The recycling process, developed in accordance with Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Best Environmental Practices (BEP) guidelines, is ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety Management) certified.
Cuprina aims to capture significant growth opportunities across Southeast Asia, where many governments are tightening environmental standards.
A UNIDO & GEF-Endorsed Breakthrough
Unlike conventional incineration, which produces toxic emissions and ash destined for landfills, this UNIDO/GEF-endorsed system sterilizes and decontaminates medical waste using advanced high-temperature steam technology.
Developed through a two-decade collaboration between Chinese environmental authorities, UNIDO, and GEF, the technology converts previously non-recyclable waste into high-value plastic resins that can be reintegrated into industrial supply chains.
Driving Regional Environmental Impact
As opposed to current medical waste technologies that incinerate waste and send the resulting ash to landfills, a method that releases toxic emissions and further strains Singapore’s already limited landfill capacity, Cuprina’s upcycling process offers a sustainable alternative.
The Southeast Asian medical-waste market is expanding rapidly, fueled by population growth and tighter infection-control measures.
In Singapore alone, biohazardous medical waste rose from 4,400 tons in 2016 to 5,700 tons in 2020—a 5 % annual increase (MOH Singapore).
By introducing a recycling-based model for infectious waste, Cuprina aims to lead the transition from incineration and landfill toward a new model that protects public health, safeguards the environment, and creates long-term value for our shareholders.