Less plastic.
More for everyone.

How the Eltz Institut saves 100kg of plastic a year.

» Sneak peek

Plastic items are so prevalent in our society that nobody can do without them completely. But each of us can do our bit to outsmart the throwaway society and reduce the burden on the environment.

For example, by separating waste, replacing plastic products with biodegradable materials, avoiding disposable bottles and cups, and reusing plastic bags. Savings like these are also possible in a medical practice if – like us – you look for them specifically and implement them consistently.

1. Reusing plastic cups

In the past, we used around 14,400 plastic cups and plastic-coated paper cups a year for rinsing the mouth and drinking. That would be enough to climb the Danube Tower 5.8 times. By switching to reusable cups from Cupsolutions, we are massively reducing this amount of plastic.

▶ Watch the video

Less plastic at the Eltz Institut: avoiding plastic waste

Less plastic at the Eltz Institut: sustainable alternatives

2. Spring water instead of plastic bottles

Our patients and our team used an incredible 2,700 1.5l plastic bottles of mineral water a year. Stacked on top of each other, these bottles would reach 864 metres – around 6.4 x the height of Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral! This, too, was easy to change. From now on, we are treating ourselves and our patients to the finest spring water with delicious flavourings. We have also treated ourselves to a soda machine.

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Spring water instead of plastic bottles at the Eltz Institut Vienna

Water dispenser with spring water at the Eltz Institut Vienna

3. Stainless steel instead of plastic mirrors

In the past, we used disposable mouth mirrors for many orthodontic check-ups and initial examinations – 2,200 a year, to be precise. Laid end to end, they would stretch 330 m (the length of the Floridsdorf Bridge). From now on, they are being replaced by a stainless steel version that can be disinfected and sterilised. At the same time, the plastic packaging of the disposable plastic mirrors is no longer needed.

▶ Watch the video

Stainless steel mirror instead of a plastic mirror at check-ups

Reusable stainless steel mouth mirror at the Eltz Institut

4. Refill packs instead of disposable soap dispensers

We still had some plastic soap dispensers in our toilets and used around 22 plastic soap dispensers a year. We have replaced them with refillable ceramic dispensers.

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Refill pack instead of a disposable soap dispenser at the Eltz Institut

Refillable soap dispenser at the Eltz Institut Vienna

5. Glass instead of plastic dappen dishes

We used an incredible 2,300 plastic dappen dishes a year for liquids and bonding material. From now on, they are being replaced by a glass version that can be disinfected.

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Video preview: drinking glasses instead of plastic cups at the Eltz Institut

Drinking glasses instead of plastic cups – less plastic at the Eltz Institut

6. Wooden stirrers

We stir things up at the Eltz Institut. Especially our coffee. For this, we used to use around 3,000 stirrers a year and then throw them away. Instead of disposable plastic coffee spoons, we now use wooden stirrers. That corresponds to a length of 375 m (5.7 times the height of the Riesenrad, Vienna’s Giant Ferris Wheel).

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Video preview: wooden stirrers instead of plastic at the Eltz Institut

Wooden stirrers – less plastic at the Eltz Institut

7. Brushes

Orthodontic treatment usually requires an adhesive to be applied in order to bond brackets or attachments. This is applied with the help of a small brush. We used around 8,300 of these brushes a year. We have now switched to reusable brushes with replaceable tips. Laid end to end, that corresponds to a length of 1,079 m (and thus 10 times the height of Vienna City Hall).

▶ Watch the video

Video preview: plastic-free brushes for treatment at the Eltz Institut

Plastic-free brushes – orthodontics at the Eltz Institut

Prim. Dr. Maija Eltz, specialist orthodontist at the Eltz Institut Vienna

“

We are aware that we are only making a small contribution. But perhaps we will inspire other practices or suppliers. It is often said that the flap of a butterfly’s wings can set off a hurricane on the other side of the world. If it is a hurricane of plastic avoidance, that’s fine by us!

”

Dr. Maija Eltz

How can my practice become plastic-free?

Would you like to do your bit too? Whether at home, on the go or at work – every contribution, however small, is a contribution to our future, the future of our children and of their children. It is in our own hands to change things.

Watch the talk given by Dipl. Ing. Gudrun Obersteiner, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, at the Eltz Institut and let our institute inspire you as a case study of how you, too, might improve similar things!

How can my practice become plastic-free?

Dipl. Ing. Gudrun Obersteiner,
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna

What happens next?

We will keep you up to date on this page as soon as we have gained new insights or made further progress!

Write to us with your suggestions & thoughts on this topic!

Social commitment

Our Earth – less plastic for a healthy environment

Why choose the Eltz Institut for your braces?

20,000+

We have 40 years of experience and in that time have successfully treated more than 20,000 patients.

All types of misalignment

From a small gap between the teeth to a major overhaul – we correct all types of misalignment with ease.

All age groups

From toddlers to seniors – it is never too early or too late for braces at Eltz.

Short treatment time

Thanks to our extensive experience, orthodontic treatment with us takes only 12.7 months on average.

3D simulation

With our modern technology, you can see your expected result before your treatment even begins.

Orthodontists

With us, you are treated exclusively by specialist orthodontists.

Long opening hours

You can reach us by phone Mon–Thu 8:00–18:30 and Fri 8:00–17:30.

Invisible braces

Our practice specialises in treatment with Invisalign® invisible braces.

Eltz financing

With us, you can pay for your braces in affordable & interest-free instalments.

Eltz guarantee

We continue your treatment until you are happy with your result!

We always make it happen:
Your dream smile – simply, quickly & gently!

Free consultation, short treatment times, all methods, affordable instalment plans, support with your health insurance & private insurance. Book your appointment with us today!

Prim. Dr. Lutz Hodecker, specialist orthodontist and Medical Director at the Eltz Institut

Yours, Prim. Dr. Lutz Hodecker

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Fri	8:00–17:30

Less plastic.More for everyone.

Plastic items are so prevalent in our society that nobody can do without them completely. But each of us can do our bit to outsmart the throwaway society and reduce the burden on the environment.

1. Reusing plastic cups

2. Spring water instead of plastic bottles

3. Stainless steel instead of plastic mirrors

4. Refill packs instead of disposable soap dispensers

5. Glass instead of plastic dappen dishes

6. Wooden stirrers

7. Brushes

“

We are aware that we are only making a small contribution. But perhaps we will inspire other practices or suppliers. It is often said that the flap of a butterfly’s wings can set off a hurricane on the other side of the world. If it is a hurricane of plastic avoidance, that’s fine by us!

”

Dr. Maija Eltz

How can my practice become plastic-free?

Would you like to do your bit too? Whether at home, on the go or at work – every contribution, however small, is a contribution to our future, the future of our children and of their children. It is in our own hands to change things.

How can my practice become plastic-free?

What happens next?

Write to us with your suggestions & thoughts on this topic!

Book your consultation for braces & aligners with 5D diagnostics now

You can trust us!

Why choose the Eltz Institut for your braces?

20,000+

All types of misalignment

All age groups

Short treatment time

3D simulation

Orthodontists

Long opening hours

Invisible braces

Eltz financing

Eltz guarantee

A look inside the Eltz Institut

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Number 1 on Doctify:

We always make it happen:Your dream smile – simply, quickly & gently!

Yours, Prim. Dr. Lutz Hodecker

Less plastic.
More for everyone.

Combined orthodontic
and surgical treatment

We always make it happen:
Your dream smile – simply, quickly & gently!