Air Liquide Healthcare is broadening the reach of its ECO ORIGIN™ solution, designed to reduce the carbon footprint of medical gas supplies.
Since its launch in early 2024, the company has signed contracts with 19 hospitals and clinics across six European countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain.
Air Liquide has now secured its first contract in Brazil at a São Paulo hospital, marking the first international expansion of the low-carbon initiative.
The healthcare sector makes up a fair share of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, accounting for around 4% of the total. In response, many European nations have introduced emissions reduction targets, prompting healthcare systems to explore sustainable alternatives.
According to Air Liquide, its ECO ORIGIN™ solution provides ‘certified low-carbon medical gases’—liquid oxygen and nitrogen—produced using 100% renewable electricity. The company aims to reduce the carbon footprint of medical gas supplies by over 70% compared to traditional sources.
In addition to the low-carbon production, Air Liquide is working to optimise transport routes and introduce alternative fuels, further lowering the environmental impact of delivery.
Diana Schillag, member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee in charge of Healthcare, Sustainable Development and Procurement, said, “By ensuring traceability of the carbon footprint of medical gases—from production to delivery—our solution is increasingly appealing to hospital customers keen to reduce the environmental impact of their activities.
She adds that the initiative aligns with the company’s 2022 ADVANCE plan, which aims to drive sustainable growth, boost innovation and reduce environmental impact with greener solutions and partnerships.
“As a responsible partner, Air Liquide Healthcare works alongside healthcare professionals to guarantee the supply of gases and simplify their management, while providing them with low-carbon solutions,” added Schillag.
According to a 2019 report by Health Care Without Harm, healthcare accounts for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, with hospitals alone contributing around 3.5% of emissions globally.
This figure includes both direct emissions from healthcare facilities and the supply chain, which comprises everything from energy use to medical product production. The report highlights that medical gases, a critical component in hospital care, can be a major source of emissions in the sector.
