Dialysis saves lives, but at what environmental cost? A new study from the KitNewCare consortium offers detailed calculation of the carbon and water footprint of haemodialysis, and points to practical solutions for making kidney care more sustainable

Your kidneys quietly save your life every day—yet chronic kidney disease silently threatens millions worldwide. Join us as we launch KitNewCare’s prevention campaign to uncover why these small, mighty organs deserve your attention now more than ever.

From plastic waste to AI-driven tools, a new wave of innovation is reshaping the environmental footprint of kidney care. In this second and final instalment of our series, we follow James Larkin beyond assessment and into action, exploring how his research within the KitNewCare project is driving practical solutions for a more sustainable future. From pioneering local dialysate systems and advanced recycling techniques to Europe-wide collaborations and digital tools, Larkin’s work shows that change is not only possible. It’s already happening.

This article is the first in a two-part series exploring James Larkin’s journey from a product design graduate to a pioneer in sustainable kidney care. It delves into how his unique background, initially disconnected from healthcare, became an asset in confronting the environmental challenges associated with kidney dialysis. Readers will learn about the pivotal insights gained from rigorous life cycle assessments (LCAs), uncovering surprising contributors to dialysis’s significant environmental footprint.

As World Kidney Day highlights the global need for better kidney care, the KitNewCare General Assembly, held in Madrid on 11-12 March 2025, reinforced the project’s commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of renal treatments. Bringing together experts and researchers from across Europe, the meeting focused on advancing sustainable innovations in kidney care, aligning with the broader goal of improving both patient health and environmental impact.

Brett Duane, KitNewCare coordinator, discusses the importance of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) in evaluating and reducing the environmental impact of healthcare during the 6th Nordic Conference on Sustainable Healthcare (October 2024, Malmö, Sweden).

KitNewCare has been featured in the World Health Organization’s COP29 Special Report on Climate Change and Health.

Last October 16th, the KitNewCare Innovation Challenge (IC) gathered over 30 participants in Malmö, bringing together key project partners, companies, and stakeholders committed to advancing sustainable kidney care.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the KitNewCare project presentation video. This video provides an overview of the project, outlining its key aims, innovations, and the impact it seeks to make on kidney care and sustainability.

KitNewCare is excited to announce a new partnership to promote sustainable practices in kidney care. This collaboration aims to inspire engagement, share insights from KitNewCare, and expand the impact of Kidney Care Sustainability Champions. Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking initiative.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the KitNewCare website! This platform serves as our project's primary communication and dissemination hub, dedicated to revolutionising sustainable kidney care.