The Born Green Generation: Why and How marks the first step in a broader framework aimed at transforming maternity and paediatric healthcare. Co-developed through an intensive design process with clinical partners and key stakeholders—including our Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Board and Steering Committee—it reflects a shared European commitment to reimagining care through the lenses of safety, sustainability, and innovation.
The use of single-use plastics (SUPs) in healthcare has increased dramatically in recent decades due to their perceived convenience and cost-effectiveness. However, mounting evidence shows that common plastics and their chemical components, such as bisphenols, phthalates, PVC, and PFAS, can disrupt the endocrine system and are linked to serious health issues, ranging from cancer to developmental delays.
Josephine Frame, Born Green Generation Green Perinatal Clinical Officer“Babies are routinely exposed to harmful chemicals and plastic products during their hospital care from items that could have safer alternatives, such as disinfectants, plastic gloves and disposable gowns. Born Green Generation stands out by highlighting the direct health risks associated with this exposure and offers practical strategies to mitigate these risks.”
A Vision Rooted in Five Key Principles
During the development of the Born Green Generation framework, five interconnected themes emerged as key principles to underpin the initiative and innovations for those joining the movement. These principles are:
- Baby-centred care that places the unique needs and vulnerabilities of infants at the core of every decision, while ensuring their safety;
- Education-focused approaches that support learning and professional development at all levels of the healthcare system;
- Climate-conscious strategies that reduce waste and environmental harm and promote more sustainable practices;
- Supportive communities are built through collaboration among clinical teams, families, and suppliers;
- Commitment to feasible, practical implementation to ensure long-term adoption and real-world impact.
Together, these principles form a roadmap to ensure that care remains safe, effective and environmentally responsible, while always prioritising the health and well-being of babies and their families.
A Framework in Progress
In the coming months, the Born Green Generation framework will be completed with two additional parts: an assessment tool to help clinical teams identify and evaluate exposure risks within their care settings and an implementation tool offering evidence-based solutions, best practices, and practical training resources.
These upcoming materials are being designed to empower current and future healthcare professionals with the knowledge needed to drive systemic change.
Guided by these principles, our clinical partners have already begun piloting safer alternatives for products which pose some of the highest risks to babies, such as feeding equipment, medications, and nappies. These pilot alternatives are built on the Born Green Generation’s five principles with the goal of promoting easy-to-replicate, baby-centred best practices that reduce plastic usage and exposure to toxic chemicals.
Join the movement
The publication of the framework is also a call to action. Healthcare workers, parents, policymakers, and the general public are invited to pledge their support to reduce plastic use in maternity and paediatric wards.
Rosario Semenzato, Born Green Generation Project Manager“There is strong evidence showing that children are exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during critical stages of their development, which may impact their health and well-being. Taking action to ensure they receive the best possible care is essential to ensure a healthier start to life.”
As case studies expand and the framework is implemented across more clinical sites, the Born Green Generation aims to prove that a future of healthcare without unnecessary plastics and chemicals is not only essential but also possible.
Explore our new resource, take the Pledge, or connect with us through our newsletter and social media channels to stay tuned for updates on sustainable healthcare!
