B. Braun Joins National Health Organization Supporting Environmental Practices

BETHLEHEM, Pa., Jan. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- B. Braun Medical Inc. (B.Braun) is pleased to announce that it will be partnering with Practice Greenhealth, a membership organization for institutions and businesses in the health care field who are engaged in reducing their environmental footprints.

Practice Greenhealth provides practical guidance, training, consultation, and business solutions to help its members in their efforts to implement environmentally responsible practices. More than 1000 healthcare providers have joined Practice Greenhealth since 2008, indicating the growing commitment among the healthcare community to reduce its environmental impact.  

"One of B.Braun's longstanding core values is its commitment to the environment and we are pleased to join forces with an organization like Practice Greenhealth who shares our same vision and commitment," said Rob Albert, chief marketing officer at B.Braun.

More than three decades ago, B.Braun recognized the environmental and patient risks posed by products containing PVC and DEHP. As a result, B.Braun was the first medical device manufacturer to remove these harmful substances from many products and today is the only supplier that offers a full line of PVC and DEHP-free IV containers. Aesculap, Inc., a B.Braun Company, shares the same environmental sustainability commitment. With approximately 19% of surgical services waste stream coming from blue wrap¹, Aesculap, Inc.'s reusable, rigid Sterile Container Technology gives healthcare providers an alternative supporting green initiatives and reducing the waste generated in the OR.

"We recycle or reuse nearly 100 percent of all recyclable materials, and employ manufacturing processes and technologies designed to conserve energy and safeguard our natural resources," said David Lauer, environmental health & safety manager at B.Braun. "The existing B.Braun sustainability strategy is focused on reducing the organization's overall environmental footprint."

Practice Greenhealth offers a variety of programs to its members, including environmental purchasing, sustainable operations, continuing education, webinars, networking opportunities, communications, and annual awards recognizing the achievements of member institutions.

"We are very pleased to welcome B.Braun to the Practice Greenhealth member community," stated Laura Wenger, executive director of Practice Greenhealth. "Their membership demonstrates a real commitment to improving the environmental impact on their customers, partners and communities."

About B. Braun
B. Braun Medical Inc. (B.Braun), a leader in infusion therapy and pain management, develops, manufactures, and markets innovative medical products and services to the healthcare industry. The Company is committed to eliminating preventable treatment errors and enhancing patient, clinician and environmental safety. Guided by its "Sharing Expertise^®" philosophy, B.Braun continuously exchanges knowledge with customers, partners and clinicians to address the critical issues of improving care and lowering costs.

The B.Braun group of companies includes B.Braun, Aesculap^® and CAPS^®. B.Braun's U.S. headquarters is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with its global headquarters based in Melsungen, Germany. It employs more than 44,000 employees in more than 50 countries throughout the world. To learn more about B.Braun visit www.bbraunusa.com.

Practice Greenhealth
Practice Greenhealth is the nation's leading membership and networking organization for institutions in the healthcare community that have made a commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Members include hospitals, healthcare systems, businesses and other stakeholders engaged in the greening of healthcare to improve the health of patients, staff and the environment.

^1.Healthcare Purchasing News, April 2008

SOURCE B. Braun Medical Inc.