Leveraging digital innovation to advance environmental, social, and governance performance in the medical sterilization industry

Digital technologies are reshaping how medical-device firms align operational practices with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives. However, integrating ESG into core business activities—especially in high-risk, resource-intensive environments such as sterilization—presents new implementation challenges. In this chapter, based on a single case study of Company S's intelligent Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) system, we examine how digital innovation functions as an integrative architecture to advance ESG performance. Drawing on site observations, internal documents, and 22 semi-structured interviews, we identify three reinforcing pathways: environmental impact through real-time energy dashboards and closed-loop water-reclamation modules; social impact through RFID-based asset tracking and workflow reconfiguration that reduce sharps injuries and enhance staff allocation; and governance enhancement via blockchain-enabled traceability and automated audit trails that strengthen compliance and transparency. Practical implications for the pharmaceutical industry, digital solution providers, and regulatory authorities are discussed.