Cutting Carbon and Waste: How Our Packaging Programme Is Supporting Greener Healthcare

Our Packaging Programme is delivering tangible environmental benefits by working closely with suppliers to optimise product ranges and transition to more sustainable packaging materials.

As part of this work, a supplier has optimised its hand towel product range – replacing two legacy products, product code MRT226 (previously packaged in cardboard) and MRT2199 (packaged in plastic ‘polypack’).

The new product code – MWK85233 – is a more sustainable alternative that features recyclable paper packaging.

Last year, NHS trusts ordered a combined total of 59,148 cases of the legacy products:

• MRT226: 13,312 cases
• MRT2199: 45,836 cases

If these orders had been fulfilled using MWK85233, the environmental savings would have been substantial:

• 18 tonnes of CO₂e emissions avoided (based on last year’s sales volumes)
• 2.8 tonnes of packaging waste reduced, including a major shift away from plastic
• Equivalent to taking four cars off the road for a year or saving emissions from over 40,000 miles driven.

This clearly demonstrates the scale of environmental benefit possible if trusts across the NHS make the switch. It’s a practical, high-impact change that supports the net zero goals of the NHS.

Before

Packaging:

• Packaging using plastic and cardboard

After

Packaging:

• Paper bag packaging
• Reduce packaging waste compared to existing cardboard box
• The paper packaging is recyclable
• Easy to open, and easy to use
• UK manufactured and 100% recycled fibres

By choosing products like MWK85233 that feature recyclable packaging and a lower carbon footprint, trusts are actively contributing to the net zero goals without compromising on quality or patient care.

This simple switch from legacy products to a more sustainable alternative demonstrates how small changes can lead to big environmental wins. This is a practical, impactful step towards greener healthcare delivery.

See our Useful Links section to learn more about driving sustainability forward with our packaging programme.

We are working in partnership with suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of packaging across the healthcare supply chain. By identifying opportunities to switch to recyclable materials, reduce plastic use, and optimise product formats, the programme supports the net zero ambitions of the NHS while maintaining product quality and performance.

Together, we are making sustainability part of everyday decision-making across the NHS.