NHS Wales closes loop on polythene packaging

NHS Wales has embarked on a closed loop recycling initiative to reuse polythene waste packaging generated within its supply chain.


The organisation has teamed up with polythene recycler BPI to recover the material, which is mainly used for pallet covers and stretch wrap.

Through its reprocessing arm, BPI is turning the material into new refuse sacks that NHS trusts can use throughout their operations.

To date, one tonne of polythene waste has been collected from NHS Wales’ Bridgend stores, creating 15,000 green sacks as a result.

As a result of the scheme’s success, NHS Wales Procurement Services is now looking to extend the initiative to cover other stores in Denbigh and Cwmbran over the coming months. This move will enable it to amplify the environmental benefits seen so far.

NHS Wales deputy head of materials management at procurement services Sara Taylor said it was a solution that helped to keep reusable waste in circulation and in keeping with the organisation’s strong environmental policies.

“Black general hospital refuse sacks are some of the most popular products issued by our stores, and each year our Bridgend store alone supplies 3,801,500 individual black refuse sacks which are employed across the NHS in South Wales,” she added.

Maxine Perella

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