Reducing Plastic Use in Paediatric Enteral Feeding Equipment

Author(s):

Abbott and Liz Loring

Publish Date:

June 2025 | 5 min read

Abstract:

In this case study, Liz Loring, Community Paediatric Dietitian at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, highlights the impact of our reusable containers to reduce plastic use in enteral feeding equipment for children in Hillingdon Community.

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In paediatric enteral feeding, plastic containers are required for a variety of reasons. They may be used to deliver breast milk or powdered formula via a feeding pump, to decant feed into appropriate measures for specified feed timings, or for the administration of water.

Historically, plastic Flexitainers have been limited to single-use, meaning some families may need to use more than one container each day for multiple feeds. In 2023, as part of their commitment to sustainability and helping to reduce the healthcare sector’s ecological footprint, Abbott began supplying reusable 500 ml SteriFeed bottles that can easily be washed and reused up to 30 times.

This case study outlines how the transition to reusable containers was made for many of the children receiving enteral feeds in Hillingdon Community – seamlessly supporting patient care while reducing plastic use and contributing to the NHS pledge to become more sustainable.

Method

In total, 27 children (from a total caseload of 110) were identified as having Flexitainers delivered as part of their monthly orders. Based on Abbott eRegistration account data for these children, the following was determined:

A letter explaining the use of reusable bottles and hangers was sent to all families and school staff, including instructions on how to clean them.

Outcome

Feedback from the switch was very positive, with families and special school staff supportive of the reduction in plastic waste. The 500 ml SteriFeed bottles had added resonance by significantly reducing the amount of storage space that would have been required for large quantities of Flexitainers.

One child was reverted back to Flexitainers due to the need to decant 700 ml of feed, which the current 500 ml bottles could not accommodate. This highlights a potential opportunity for the introduction of higher capacity reusable bottles in the future.

Further to this case study, all children that require containers are now given SteriFeed bottles (and a letter explaining their use) unless there is a clinical reason for them to remain on single use.

Overall Reduction in Plastic Use

In the Hillingdon Community, a total of 720 Flexitainers were removed from the monthly deliveries of 19 children and replaced with just 24 SteriFeed bottles for the 13 that were switched over.

Reusable bottles for enteral feed equipment not only help to reduce the need for single-use plastics but also offer the families and carers of paediatric patients a greater level of convenience in terms of both use and storage.

The significant reduction in plastic waste from the treatment of children in one localised area, during a single month, indicates huge potential for the elimination of tonnes of single-use plastic on a national level.

Thank you to Liz Loring, Community Paediatric Dietitian at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, for sharing this case study.

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HCP

ABBOTT SERVICES

INFANT

PAEDIATRIC

CASE STUDIES

ENTERAL TUBE FEED

Paediatric