Essity Joins European Research Project Sustronics in Development of Eco-friendly Sensor Technology
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Essity announced that it has joined the European research project Sustronics, an EU funded project with the goal of moving the European electronics industry towards eco-friendly electronics and the development of cutting-edge functionalities.
Sustronics is a project within Horizon Europe, the EU's key funding program for research and innovation with a budget of EUR 95.5 billion.
According to Essity, the research project includes nine pilot studies with a focus on healthcare and diagnostics. Prototypes will be developed and in parallel life cycle assessments and methods for eco-design will be applied to ensure sustainability.
As a provider of incontinence and wound care products, Essity is participating in two pilot studies. One study aims to develop a reusable sensor, integrated into incontinence products that measures temperature, humidity and enzymes to avoid incontinence-related skin problems and enhance healthcare quality. The sensor uses data and AI algorithms to provide insights to the user or carer about issues such as skin health directly to a smartphone.
The second pilot study involves the development of a smart wound dressing fitted with sensors that measure temperature, pH and biomarkers for infection in the wound. The solution has the potential to both enhance patient well-being and reduce healthcare costs.
"Advances in sensor technology can drastically improve preventive care and be a game changer for large patient groups. Through the Sustronics research project, we can further strengthen our innovative capacity while in parallel improving people's health and well-being and contribute to a more sustainable and circular society," says Tuomas Yrjölä, President Global Brand, Innovation and Sustainability, at Essity.
