#USA #Vienna #Medical Imaging #Bracco Imaging #Zereau BV

Bracco and Zereau's Innovative Partnership for Sustainable Medical Imaging

In an exciting collaboration aimed at enhancing sustainability in medical imaging, Bracco Imaging SpA, a global leader in diagnostic imaging, has teamed up with Zereau BV, known for its unique water technology solutions in healthcare. On February 26, 2025, the two companies announced the launch of a novel research phase called "The Water Project." This initiative is designed to significantly reduce the environmental impact of iodinated contrast agents used in radiological procedures.

The initial phase of this research program achieved remarkable success, necessitating a focused continuation on the use of sustainable urine filtering systems for hospitals and diagnostic facilities. The aim is to integrate scalable, robust urine collection and filtration devices into radiological departments. Patients who receive contrast agents will utilize designated toilets that facilitate the capture and filtration of these substances from their urine. Once the filters reach capacity, they are collected for processing by external partners, who will extract valuable raw materials such as iodine that would otherwise enter wastewater systems.

This announcement coincides with the commencement of the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2025 in Vienna, which emphasizes sustainability in radiology this year. The innovative urine filtration system developed through this partnership will be showcased at the Bracco booth during the event. This effort not only promises to improve water quality but also embodies a circular economy model, reflecting Bracco’s commitment to sustainable healthcare solutions and environmental protection.

Erik Bruno, Bracco’s Innovation for Sustainability Manager, emphasized, “As a leader in medical imaging, we recognize that sustainability and innovation must go hand in hand. We are committed to driving meaningful change.” He continued to highlight that through this partnership with Zereau, both organizations are leveraging their collective expertise to tackle industry-wide challenges associated with waste reduction and resource management.

Zereau's Chief Commercial Officer, Mattijs Maris, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited that our groundbreaking technology and vision for clean water and resource recovery in healthcare are being recognized through our collaboration with Bracco. We are poised to scale our operations and revolutionize radiology with our water filtration systems, pushing towards a sustainable healthcare sector.”

A Closer Look at Water Technology in Healthcare

Zereau has garnered attention for its innovative water technologies specifically designed for healthcare facilities. The company's focus on hygienic filtration solutions not only addresses environmental concerns but also paves the way for circular resource management, efficiently mitigating the entry of certain medical micro-pollutants into the environment. This is critical for departments such as Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, ICUs, hospital pharmacies, and oncology wards.

Bracco Imaging, a pioneer in the field, offers advanced contrast agents and cutting-edge delivery systems tailored for diverse applications, including X-rays, MRIs, nuclear medicine, and ultrasound. The company is dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes through technological innovations that improve diagnostic accuracy and patient care. Its partnership with Zereau marks a significant inflection point in the industry’s approach towards sustainable practices.

Conclusion

The partnership between Bracco Imaging and Zereau represents a pivotal step forward in addressing sustainability challenges within medical imaging. The collaborative effort to develop urine filtration technologies is not only groundbreaking but also indicative of a greater movement within healthcare to embrace environmentally responsible practices. With the recent developments showcased at ECR, the insights gained from “The Water Project” could inspire further innovations across the sector, prompting a shift toward a more sustainable, resource-conscious approach to medical imaging. Together, Bracco and Zereau are setting a new benchmark for reducing the ecological footprint of the healthcare industry, thereby enriching both patient care and the health of the planet.