The conversation around reusable vs. disposable surgical textiles is evolving, and quickly.
In this episode of Behind the Seams, Jeff Courey sits down with Cy Gropper from SRI Healthcare (Novo Health Services) to unpack what’s really driving change in the market. From supply chain disruptions to sustainability goals and cost pressures, healthcare systems are starting to take a closer look at how reusable programs fit into their long-term strategy.
And for many, the answer is becoming clear: reusables are no longer a niche, they’re a necessary part of the solution.
A Proven Model That’s Regaining Momentum
Reusable surgical programs aren’t new. Organizations like SRI have been building and scaling them since the 1990s, delivering sterile, high-performance textile solutions to hospitals across the U.S.
What’s changing now is the level of attention they’re receiving.
After years of steady decline due to the rise of disposables, reusable programs are seeing renewed interest driven by real-world challenges that exposed vulnerabilities in traditional supply chains.
Beyond Sustainability: The Full Value of Reusables
Sustainability is often the headline, but it’s only part of the story.
Reusable surgical textiles deliver value across multiple dimensions:
- Environmental impact: Significant reduction in medical waste
- Cost efficiency: Lower cost per use over time
- Supply chain stability: Reduced reliance on overseas production
- Clinical performance: Enhanced comfort and protection for staff
In fact, a single reusable gown can replace dozens of disposable alternatives over its lifecycle, creating measurable impact both financially and environmentally.
For healthcare systems under pressure to do more with less, that combination matters.
The Real Challenge: Aligning Stakeholders
Adopting a reusable program isn’t just a product decision, it’s an organizational one.
Different stakeholders within a hospital evaluate value differently:
- Clinical teams focus on comfort, fit, and performance
- Supply chain teams focus on cost and procurement
- Executives and finance leaders focus on long-term ROI
- Sustainability committees focus on environmental impact
Success comes from aligning all of these perspectives into a single, cohesive message.
That means moving beyond a one-size-fits-all pitch and clearly communicating the full value of reusable textiles, from patient outcomes to financial performance.
Supply Chain Resilience Is Now a Priority
If there’s one lesson the industry has learned in recent years, it’s this: reliance on single-use imports comes with risk.
Global disruptions from pandemics to logistics challenges have made it clear that healthcare systems need more control over their supply chains.
Reusable programs offer a level of stability that disposables often can’t match:
- Local or regional processing
- Predictable inventory cycles
- Reduced exposure to international disruptions
For many hospitals, this is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s a strategic priority.
Addressing Misconceptions Around Reusables
One of the biggest barriers to adoption isn’t performance, it’s perception.
There’s a lingering misconception that reusable surgical textiles are less safe because they’ve been used before. In reality, the opposite is often true.
Reusable programs are built around rigorous quality control and sterilization processes, including:
- Inspection after every use
- Barrier testing to ensure protection levels
- Validated sterilization cycles
- Strict adherence to industry standards
Every gown goes through a controlled process before being returned to service, ensuring consistency and reliability at every use.
In contrast, disposable products are typically tested in batches, not individually, highlighting a key difference in quality assurance.
A More Balanced Future: Reusable + Disposable
The future of surgical textiles isn’t about choosing one over the other, it’s about finding the right balance.
Reusable and disposable products will continue to coexist, but hospitals are increasingly recognizing the importance of having both options available.
Reusable programs provide:
- A reliable foundation for daily operations
- A buffer against supply chain disruptions
- A pathway to achieving sustainability goals
And perhaps most importantly, they offer flexibility something every healthcare system needs.
Momentum Is Building
After years of decline, reusable surgical textiles are gaining traction again.
Hospitals are revisiting programs. Trials are increasing. Conversations are shifting.
What was once seen as an alternative is now being viewed as a strategic advantage.
Final Takeaway
Reusable surgical textiles are no longer just about sustainability, they’re about performance, resilience, and long-term value.
As healthcare systems continue to navigate cost pressures, operational challenges, and evolving expectations, the role of reusable programs will only continue to grow.
The question is no longer if they fit into the equation, but how quickly organizations are ready to adopt them.
Check out the full episodes of our podcast Behind The Seams!
- YouTube: https://youtu.be/biYX1OWyHhc
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/50b7FmjERIcfP0mZ8j0KPr?si=3b98jrF2TlGiNR6zGBBRCA
Stay tuned for upcoming episodes, where we’ll dive deeper into the world of institutional textiles, hospitality linens, healthcare laundry solutions, and the people who keep this industry moving forward.
