Protecting Our Planet: How Sereclean is Tackling Clear Aligner Waste
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Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, have revolutionised the field of orthodontics, offering a convenient and discreet alternative to traditional braces. However, this convenience comes at a hidden cost to our environment. With millions of clear aligners being discarded annually, the environmental impact is significant. Most aligners are made from non-biodegradable plastics, which often end up in landfills or, worse, pollute our oceans. These plastics can harm marine life and contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution.
The Problem with Clear Aligner Waste
Clear aligners are typically made from medical-grade thermoplastics. While durable and effective for orthodontic purposes, these materials are not easily recyclable through conventional means. Once discarded, aligners can take hundreds of years to decompose, and during that time, they can leach harmful chemicals into the environment.
Many aligners inadvertently find their way into oceans, where they pose a serious threat to marine life. Small plastic fragments can be mistaken for food by sea creatures, leading to ingestion, internal injuries, and even death. The environmental footprint of clear aligners extends beyond the product itself to include the packaging and transportation processes involved in their distribution.
At Sereclean, we believe in combining innovation with sustainability. That’s why we are proud to announce our new clear aligner recycling initiative, designed to address this pressing environmental issue.
Sereclean’s Sustainable Solution
As a company committed to sustainable practices, Sereclean is taking action to minimise the environmental impact of clear aligners. We are excited to launch a clear aligner recycling scheme in partnership with TerraCycle, a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle materials.
How It Works
Sereclean will provide all dental practices that partner with us a complimentary TerraCycle collection box. Here’s how the program will work:
- Collection at Dental Practices: Patients can bring their used clear aligners to their dental practice and deposit them in the designated TerraCycle box.
- Recycling Process: Once the box is full, it will be sent to TerraCycle, where the aligners will be processed and recycled into new products, such as park benches and outdoor furniture.
- Environmental Impact: By recycling clear aligners, we’re reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills and helping to protect marine ecosystems.
Why Partner with Sereclean?
Dental practices that join our initiative will not only contribute to a cleaner planet but also demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility. By participating, practices can:
- Offer patients a convenient and eco-friendly way to dispose of their aligners.
- Build their reputation as environmentally conscious healthcare providers.
- Support a larger movement towards sustainability in dentistry.
Join Us in Making a Difference
At Sereclean, we’re not just providing innovative cleaning solutions—we’re taking meaningful steps to protect our planet. With your help, we can turn the tide on clear aligner waste and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
If you’re a dental practice interested in joining our recycling initiative, contact us today to learn more. Together, we can make a difference for both our patients and our planet.
Contact: admin@sereclean.com