Caracal Showcases Innovative OR Recycling Solutions at CleanMed 2026

Caracal Products & Services, recognized for its health care solutions and recycling initiatives, recently participated in CleanMed 2026, a national conference focused on sustainability within the healthcare sector. The event was held at the historic St. Louis Union Station Hotel from May 12-14, gathering influential leaders who are dedicated to promoting greener practices in healthcare.

At the conference, Caracal emphasized its unique Operating Room (OR) Recycling Program, which partners with hospitals to establish effective systems for recycling plastics from surgical environments. This initiative addresses a critical issue where hospitals generate massive quantities of recyclable materials that often end up in landfills due to the lack of appropriate channels and collaborations.

Paul Sessions, the Vice President and General Manager of Caracal Recycling, voiced the organization's commitment, stating, "Every year, hospitals send enormous amounts of recyclable materials to landfills simply because the right systems and partnerships aren't in place yet. CleanMed gives us the opportunity to connect directly with health care leaders to change that reality." Through this program, hospitals and surgical centers can engage in a circular economy, diverting waste from landfills and transforming it into new products.

The challenge of waste management is paramount in the healthcare industry, with U.S. hospitals generating millions of tons of waste annually, most of which is non-hazardous. Caracal is at the forefront of tackling this issue by collecting and recycling OR materials. The company's innovative approach focuses on capturing materials such as polypropylene and polyethylene—common but often discarded plastics—to help healthcare facilities mitigate waste volume and reduce disposal costs while staying compliant with stringent environmental regulations.

Expanding its reach to meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions, Caracal has established recycling facilities in major locations including New York, Baltimore, and Charlotte, North Carolina. The company is committed to further expansion along the East Coast in the coming years, aiming to support even more healthcare systems in their sustainability efforts.

The CleanMed conference is an annual event that attracts over 1,000 hospitals and prominent figures from various areas of the healthcare sector. This year's discussions highlighted vital topics such as minimizing emissions from medical technology, enhancing infection control protocols, decarbonizing supply chains, and strategies for reducing medical waste. The conference is jointly presented by Practice Greenhealth—a leading organization promoting sustainable healthcare—and Health Care Without Harm, an international coalition advocating for environmentally responsible health practices worldwide.

In addition to its recycling initiatives, Caracal Products & Services has been active in fostering innovation within the healthcare industry. The company was founded in 2001 in Detroit, Michigan, with the objective of creating valuable job opportunities through cutting-edge products and services. Caracal operates as a sourcing solutions provider, delivering a diverse array of high-quality offerings and services to businesses, government entities, and educational institutions.

Caracal’s proactive approach and dedication to strong partnerships have established it as a favorite in the health care, insurance, and financial services industries. With a commitment to maintaining dependable and strategic vendor relationships, the company lives by its motto: “Supplying everything but surprises.” For more details about its initiatives and services, visit Caracal’s website.

As we look to the future, it is clear that Caracal is not just providing services—it is leading the way toward a greener, more sustainable healthcare landscape.