Tesalys is a manufacturer of innovative systems for “on-site” treatment of infectious healthcare waste. Started-up in 2012, the company has grown rapidly and has more than 500 installations in 65 different countries. The 1500 SQM of headquarters & factory are based in Saint-Jean (Toulouse), in France, meaning that all the machines are manufactured on-site, in France.
STERIPLUS™ and STERISHRED® systems shred and treat the infectious waste by steam decontamination. After treatment, the infectious waste is converted into harmless waste that can be disposed of like ordinary waste. Their systems are designed to be installed at the place of waste generation, reducing personnel exposure, environmental risks and costs associated to the management of infectious waste.
For 10 years now, Tesalys provides a green alternative to waste collection and incineration, reducing CO2 emissions.
Interview with Miquel LOZANO, President of Tesalys
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Miquel LOZANO: Our machines are meant for the treatment of Health-care Waste (HCW), defined by the World Health Organization as waste that “contains potentially harmful microorganisms that can infect hospital patients, health workers and the general public.” generated in hospitals, medical centers, laboratories, … This has been a big issue during the Covid pandemic because in some countries the HCW generated have been multiplied by four, creating the urge need of get rid of it rapidly and efficiently.
Tesalys provides equipment for the on-site treatment of infectious waste by a process of shredding and steam decontamination, but also all the services associated such as after sales, maintenance, technical support.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
M.L: Our shredder-sterilizers are designed to be installed on the site of waste generation, avoiding transport and incineration of infectious waste. This has a double effect on infection control and CO2 environmental impact.
Our R&D team is continually working on our machine improvements allowing us to always provide upgraded equipment, following our customers’ needs and regulatory requirements.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
M.L: We propose two main ranges of shredder-sterilizers with a total of 5 different machines:
We firstly have our main and best seller range STERIPLUS™ for little and medium capacity of treatment (20 to 80 kg of HCW per hour) with 3 machines STERIPLUS™ 20, STERIPLUS™ 40 and STERIPLUS™ 80 and then we have the STERISHRED® range for treatment capacities ranging until 100 kg per hour of infectious waste with the STERISHRED® 250 and STERISHRED® 700.
We also provide consumables and spare/wear parts associated to the use of the machines, insuring an ease of use and durability.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
M.L: The market is quite dynamic, especially because after the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of infectious waste treatment. Many countries have taken the decision to strengthen their treatment capacities to be ready in case of a new pandemic, but also for a daily use, in order to ensure efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly treatment of infectious waste.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
M.L: International organizations such as World Health Organization and UNICEF have made post Covid-pandemic assessments and now recommend on-site treatment as opposed to centralized treatment, and the abandonment of incineration of medical waste in favor of greener technologies such as sterilization autoclaves with integrated shredding.
On-site treatment has a bright future and stands out as the reference for safe treatment of HCW in a world where the environment is our number one concern.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
M.L: Our STERIPLUS™ range is based on 6 patents and our main feature is the integration of a high-performance steam shredding/sterilization system with a 1 cm thick shreds and sterilization at 135°C for a total and effective decontamination. Our best sellers’ models are the STERIPLUS™ 40 and STERIPLUS™ 80 which are very compact and easy to install.
We also have all certifications needed for our products from French and international authorities and we have recently received the conformity to the French NFX standard which is the strictest in the world for the largest models STERISHRED® 250 and STERISHRED® 700.
Example of waste before and after on-site treatment:
Shreds:
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
M.L: We expect our business to grow significantly in 2023, especially in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. We have also opened an office in Vietnam to develop the Asian market.
We are convinced that 2023 will be the year of on-site treatment, and the new ways to make health and environment one.