Belgium recently marked a significant milestone in its diplomatic relations with Vietnam through a state visit led by the Belgian royal couple. This mission brought together political, economic, and academic figures, with a strong presence of Belgian business leaders and experts in sustainable development and waste management. Among these experts, Olivier Dufrasne, President of Ecosteryl, actively participated in discussions about innovative solutions for medical waste management—an issue of critical importance for Vietnam.

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In Ghana, as in many countries, managing medical waste is a major challenge. Too often, this waste ends up in open dumps, exposing the population to serious health and environmental risks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the volume of medical waste skyrocketed, emphasizing the urgent need for rigorous and sustainable waste management. Today, with six operational Ecosteryl 125 units, a decisive turning point has been achieved thanks to Jospong Group of Companies and its subsidiaries, Zoomlion and Medical Waste Treatment Facility, in collaboration with the Ghanaian government. State-of-the-art medical waste treatment centers are now operational in several regions of the country.

A vital issue: properly managing medical waste

Every year, nearly three million injuries and infections are recorded worldwide in hospitals and landfills where this waste is abandoned. It is not uncommon to see children playing with used syringes or blood-stained materials, posing major hazards. Exposure to pathogens endangers not only their health but also their future. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation worsened. The Ghanaian government then made a historic decision: to establish dedicated medical waste management infrastructure across the country. This is how the collaboration with Ecosteryl was born. The goal: to have clean, safe, and environmentally friendly medical waste treatment centers.

Project History:

In 2021, under the leadership of Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the government initiated a visionary project: the creation of specialized medical waste treatment centers in every region of the country. Jospong Group of Companies, through its subsidiary Zoomlion, in collaboration with the state, chose Ecosteryl technologies, recognized for their efficiency and environmental friendliness.

The partnership materialized with the acquisition of six Ecosteryl 125 units, capable of processing up to 20 tons of waste per day. A strategic choice that eliminates health risks without water or incineration, thereby avoiding toxic emissions responsible for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer, while also conserving precious water resources.

The installation of these machines was accompanied by intensive training. Mr. Ing. Senam Tengey, in charge of the project, and his team of five technicians spent several weeks at Ecosteryl’s facilities in Mons to understand medical waste challenges and the full operation of our machines. Our teams then traveled to Ghana to ensure installation and on-site operator training.

Zoomlion’s goal: the entirety of Ghana by the end of 2025

Zoomlion is already present in seven regions of Ghana and aims to cover the entire nation by the end of 2025.
The Kumasi treatment center is one example. We were present at its inauguration.

At the Kumasi treatment center, medical waste is perfectly managed through the following steps:

• Infectious waste is collected from healthcare facilities and transported to the center.
• It is temporarily stored in a cold room at 4°C or lower to prevent bacterial growth.
• The waste is weighed and then transferred to a four-shaft shredder, reducing it to pieces smaller than 3 cm.
• It then goes through a microwave system, where it is rapidly heated to reach 100°C in less than three minutes.
• Next, it is maintained at this temperature for one hour in a heat retention tank using an electric resistance system.
• The waste emerges dry, shredded, unrecognizable, and disinfected to a 6log10 level. All bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens are eliminated.

Unlike incineration, this process produces no dioxins, furans, or other toxic emissions. The goal is to transform this waste into resources, contributing to a circular economy.

Everyday heroes on the front lines of medical waste management

Behind these cutting-edge infrastructures are dedicated men and women on the front lines, safeguarding the population and the environment. Every day, they collect and process hazardous waste, reducing disease risks and limiting environmental impact.

As project manager Mr. Ing. Senam explains:

“Since the establishment of the Kumasi treatment center, medical waste management has significantly improved. Our teams are now equipped to ensure safe and eco-friendly  treatment, and we encourage all healthcare facilities to join us.”

An initiative that inspires africa and the world

This project, already cited as a model to follow, paves the way for similar initiatives across other African countries. It demonstrates that with determination, expertise, and strong partnerships, it is possible to turn a health challenge into an opportunity for a cleaner and healthier future.

The Ecosteryl process is based on high-performance electrical technology, easy to use, effective, and entirely eco-friendly.

A winning system on all fronts:

• An ideal solution for the healthcare sector, allowing safe waste disposal.
• A strong commitment to the environment, with zero pollutant emissions.
• Effective disease prevention by limiting exposure to pathogens.

Congratulations to the teams on the ground and Jospong Group of Companies for this exemplary achievement!

Do you also want to change medical waste management in your part of the world?
Contact us at sales@ecosteryl.com

Five years ago, an invisible threat disrupted our world, shedding light on many aspects.
Beyond buying toilet paper in large quantities, cleaning our groceries with brushes, and checking on what the neighbor was doing, we mainly ensured not to get infected and to care for those who were. The essential returned to the center of our concerns: our health. And, of course, the crucial role of healthcare workers and our healthcare system. Additionally, the management of our medical waste, which was itself infected.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented increase in healthcare-related waste: personal protective equipment (PPE), tests, syringes… A true surge of biomedical waste that strained waste management systems worldwide. Remember, we were all masked, and masks were expensive. According to the WHO, between March 2020 and November 2021, over 87,000 tons of PPE were distributed, generating a major environmental challenge. So, what do we take away from this crisis today?

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Although often perceived as a burden, medical waste can actually be a valuable resource when properly managed and valorized. Its composition generally contains highly sought-after materials with specific recycling potential, making it highly attractive to the plastics and recycling industries. Sorting this waste efficiently can therefore be highly both environmentally and financially beneficial.
To facilitate this, Ecosteryl has developed a process that is unique worldwide: R-Steryl sorting center. Combined with Ecosteryl’s range of machines, this highly efficient sorting center enables the separation of processed medical waste for the valorization of its different fractions. Beyond the ecological and environmental benefits, investing in a sorting solution can also be highly profitable, creating a new source of revenue.

Envision a disinfected medical waste turning into an everyday object such as a lamp, a vase, or urban furniture, or even forming the base of a new waste bin. This scenario is not only entirely conceivable but also actively encouraged within a sustainability and circular economy framework. Disinfected medical waste—primarily composed of plastics—can have a valuable second life.

• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polyethylene (PE)
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Polycarbonate (PC)
• Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)
• Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
• Paper and cardboard

• Manufacturing plastic tubes and pipes for irrigation and electrical applications
• Producing plastic containers and bottles
• Manufacturing waste bins
• Packaging materials
• Textile industry applications
• Manufacturing benches, chairs, and various furniture items

Sorting fractions and valuation

• • This fraction is sorted by selecting specific materials or a mixture of materials, with the possibility of specifying colors and sizes. The sorted plastic fraction is chosen based on the initial nature of the waste.

For example, only yellow PP under 3 cm may be selected.

Recovered materials are reused as raw materials in various recycling industry processes.

• • This fraction may either be discarded in a landfill or re-sorted. It can be recirculated within the R-Steryl system or processed further using multiple optical sorters. Alternatively, it can be sent to specialized sorting centers for additional treatment.

Aeraulic and optical sorting system

How does this work? By combining aeraulic separation and an optical sorting system, R-Steryl separates disinfected medical waste based on density, material type, color, and size, achieving unparalleled levels of efficiency and purity.

Aeraulic Separation: This system separates materials based on density differences between light and heavy components. Using a zigzag screen, a fan, and a cyclone, it recovers the light fraction while enhancing the quality of the heavy fraction, which is then sorted by the optical sorter.

Defining market value

• Waste specificity
• Industry demand
• Specific tests to determine profitability

Ecosteryl’s expertise and support

• Analyzing waste composition through laboratory tests at specialized research centers in Belgium.
• Conducting trials with processed waste at our Ecosteryl R&D center.

This expertise helps to identify the most valuable fractions to sort and sell in the local market, depending on waste composition and characteristics. To further optimize this process, we recommend reaching out to plastic manufacturers and industries that use plastic materials in your region. This will help determine:

• The required level of purity
• The degree of selectivity needed for optimal plastic valorization

Towards a circular and sustainable economy

In the collective imagination, the industrial sector is still often seen as a male-dominated field. Large machines, noisy workshops, intense commercial negotiations around the world… Yet at Ecosteryl, the reality is quite different.

On the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day, we want to shine a light on those who, every day, help move our company forward. Women with diverse backgrounds, engaged, and experts in their fields, contributing to making Ecosteryl a key player in the treatment of infectious medical waste.

Diverse roles, a shared commitment

Far from stereotypes, the women at Ecosteryl hold strategic positions across various departments, including sales, management, communication, and finance. Each of them plays a crucial role in supporting our clients and ensuring that our solutions meet today’s and tomorrow’s environmental and health challenges.

Amélie ⭐: a strategic vision for the company

Former CEO of Ecosteryl, Amélie remains on the Board of Directors. Her expertise and deep knowledge of the sector provide invaluable strategic guidance for the company’s future. She has helped position Ecosteryl as a leading player in medical waste treatment and continues to contribute her expertise in negotiating key contracts across the African continent.

Capucine 🎨: elevating Ecosteryl’s Image

As the communication and marketing officer, Capucine ensures that every message conveyed by the company is clear and impactful. From social media content to blog articles and marketing materials, she works to make our expertise and know-how accessible and visually engaging.

Chiara 🌱: a fresh perspective on human resources

As a six-week intern in the HR department, Chiara is discovering the industrial sector and bringing a fresh outlook to talent management at Ecosteryl. Her enthusiasm and dedication contribute to improving the company’s HR processes.

Christine 📑: thirty years of experience and an invaluable memory

As an executive assistant at Ecosteryl for thirty years, Christine is a key figure in the company. She has witnessed its evolution, growth, and adaptation to industry challenges. Her administrative expertise and organizational skills ensure smooth daily operations. Christine primarily handles accounting but also takes on numerous behind-the-scenes tasks, supporting all departments.

Dominique 🖋️: flawless administrative management

Dominique plays a key role in Ecosteryl’s administrative management. She ensures that all internal operations run efficiently, allowing teams to focus on their core activities. Speed and efficiency are her greatest strengths, essential to our daily operations. With a background in translation, she also significantly contributes to proofreading our documents in English and Spanish.

Frédérique 💰: managing finances with precision

As the head of the administrative and financial department, Frédérique oversees budget management, strategic investments, and financial compliance. Her role is crucial in ensuring the company’s long-term stability and growth.

Ledina 🇮🇹: an italian touch to conquer the african market

The newest addition to the sales team, Ledina brings her energy and international perspective to developing sales in Africa. With a tailored approach and deep understanding of local needs, she plays a key role in expanding Ecosteryl’s presence in this strategic market.

Léa 🌏: supporting business development

Léa plays a crucial role in developing new markets by adapting to the unique requirements of each region. As part of the AWEX Explort+ program, she enhances her expertise in international trade while supporting clients at every stage of their projects. Her engineering background also adds a technical edge to her role.

Laura 🏆: essential support for sales and tenders

In a highly regulated sector like medical waste treatment, managing tenders and commercial files is crucial. Laura ensures that every application is perfectly prepared and meets local requirements, making contract negotiations smoother.

Murielle 🌍: specialized expertise in the african market

Murielle is responsible for business development in Africa. This market, where medical waste management challenges are significant, requires expertise and adaptability—qualities Murielle masters perfectly. Her strong interpersonal skills and strategic patience are undoubtedly her key strengths.

Pauline 🌐: natural organization for a stronger commercial impact

Pauline supports our clients at every stage, from initial contact to machine installation, ensuring that each project is successfully executed under the best conditions. Responsible for multiple markets, she seamlessly moves from Canada to the Philippines or from Lithuania to Dubai, demonstrating an exceptional ability to retain complex details.

Sarah 📢: ensuring a smooth and engaging customer experience

Sarah manages both communication and marketing, as well as sales in various regions. Her role is to maintain Ecosteryl’s image, ensuring a seamless customer experience—from the first interaction at a trade show to post-installation follow-ups, all while handling media outreach.

Julia 🤝: between human resources and business development

Balancing talent management and market development, Julia juggles her responsibilities as an HR manager and sales lead for several European and Maghreb countries. This dual role gives her a keen understanding of human behavior, both internally and externally.

Nathalie ✨: a commitment to workplace well-Being

A clean and pleasant work environment is essential for productivity and employee well-being. Nathalie ensures that Ecosteryl’s offices and workshops remain spotless every day. Her work is vital to maintaining a healthy and organized workplace.

A male-dominated industry

While Ecosteryl takes pride in having so many women on board, the medical waste treatment industry is still predominantly male. However, we are witnessing a gradual shift, with more women taking on key roles—not only at Ecosteryl but also among our clients.

We are fortunate to collaborate with female business leaders managing medical waste companies in demanding environments. Their dedication and expertise prove that the industry is evolving, bringing more innovation and stronger environmental solutions for the future.

Towards greater equality and inclusion

At Ecosteryl, we firmly believe that diversity is a strength and that greater inclusion of women in the industry only enhances our approach and impact. We encourage all those who may still hesitate to join this sector to take the leap.

On this International Women’s Rights Day, we want to thank all the women who drive Ecosteryl forward and contribute daily to building a more sustainable world.

Because in the end, medical waste treatment is about more than just machines. It’s about vision, commitment, and talent—and in that regard, the women at Ecosteryl undoubtedly have a key role to play.

And if you’d like to join us—regardless of gender—contact us at jobs@ecosteryl.com.

Ecosteryl at Waste Expo 2025: meet us in Las Vegas!
Ecosteryl will be attending at Waste Expo 2025, one of the world’s premier events for waste management and recycling professionals. The event will take place in Las Vegas from 6 to 8 May 2025. As a key gathering in the waste management industry, it is the perfect opportunity to learn more about medical waste disinfection solutions.

Waste Expo 2025 is the perfect platform to connect with industry professionals, exchange ideas, and explore the latest trends and technologies in waste management. As a leading player in the sector, we will be showcasing our new solutions designed to enhance the treatment of infectious medical waste.

Choose your future medical waste disinfection machine

Initiating or expanding a medical waste treatment project is a crucial step (check out our article full of valuable advice on entering in this industry). Choosing the right machine is essential, as it will be the heart of your operations for the next ten years or more. Our experts will be available to advise you and share insights from our clients worldwide.

We invite you to join us at Waste Expo 2025 and explore how, together, we can contribute to a more sustainable future. Come and discuss the challenges you face and discover the solutions we offer to help you overcome them.

Want to schedule a meeting?

Contact us at sales@ecosteryl.com