Grundon switches clinical waste bins for sustainable recycled plastic containers

27/09/23

Grundon is pleased to announce a new milestone for sustainability in healthcare. The new UN-approved clinical containers are made from recycled plastics, a move that will help significantly reduce NHS carbon emissions.

With approximately 156,000 tonnes of clinical waste produced every year by NHS providers, sustainable innovation is vital to achieving a significant reduction in carbon emissions produced from waste management.

All NHS providers are to deliver a 30% reduction in carbon emissions from clinical waste segregation; a 50% reduction in the carbon emissions produced from wider waste management by 2026 and achieve an 80% reduction by 2028 – 2032.

Thanks to state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and following customer trials at the University of Surrey, Grundon has released a new collection of clinical waste containers made from recycled plastic, conserving natural resources by reducing the need for virgin plastic production. These cost-effective products are a significant step towards meeting the NHS clinical management targets and minimising the environmental impact of plastic waste.

Benefits of Recycled Plastic Clinical Waste Bins

Reducing Waste

Grundon’s new clinical waste containers provide all the same benefits of the standard models and are manufactured to BS EN ISO 23907 and UN3291, whilst significantly reducing our customer’s carbon emissions.

WIVA™ Bins are made from 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Materials

Griff^® Pac bins are made with 70% Recycled Material

SHARPSGUARD^® Eco Sharps Bins are made with at least 40% Recycled Materials.
Lowering Carbon Footprint

Eliminating the need for virgin plastic will reduce raw material CO₂ emissions. Using WIVA™ will reduce ones equivalent CO₂ footprint by up to 50% whilst use of the Griff Pac^® will reduce raw material C0₂ emissions by 64%. In addition to being 74% lighter, the Griff Pac Recycled^® is also flat packed, which means that it can store 4x as many units during storage and transportation. This improvement is expected to reduce NHS providers’ transport CO₂ emissions by 75%.
Contributing to a circular economy

Recycled plastic bins contribute to a circular economy by using waste materials to create new products, reducing the need for virgin plastic production. This helps to close the loop in the production cycle, creating a circular economy where waste is minimised, and precious resources are conserved. By using recycled plastic bins, we can reduce our reliance on virgin plastic, which requires more energy and resources to produce, and help to create a more sustainable future.
Fully Compliant

The new eco clinical waste containers meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Each container is UN3291 approved and fully compliant with clinical waste standards. Recycled Sharps Bins comply with ISO 9001, BS EN ISO 23907-1 and UN3291, as well as the requirements of the Safe and Sustainable Management of Healthcare Waste Guidance.

View our Medical Waste Bins Policy Certificates
Cost Control

By using recycled materials, the production cost of the clinical waste containers can be controlled and not be reliant on plastic raw material and oil costs. Additionally, using recycled materials can help to reduce waste and conserve natural resources, which can help to lower your facility’s carbon footprint, enhance your reputation and attract environmentally conscious customers.
Environmental Conservation

Healthcare waste can have a significant environmental impact, with the potential to release harmful chemicals and pathogens into the environment if not managed properly. By using the new recycled clinical waste containers that are designed to mitigate these environmental impacts, your facility is taking an important step towards creating a more sustainable future. These containers can help to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated, protect the environment and conserve natural resources.

“Our customers have found that switching to responsibly sourced recycled medical waste bins is effortless, as well as highly beneficial in pursuing the NHS net zero carbon emissions targets.”

Dr Shauna Costley

Grundon’s Clinical Compliance & Sustainability Manger

Clinical Containers Product Specifications

Grundon is committed to reducing single-use plastics in healthcare

Dr Shauna Costley (Grundon’s Clinical Compliance & Sustainability Manger) is leading the drive for improving sustainability in clinical waste management and described her vision for how these containers are benefiting our customers and contributing to the pursuit of a more circular economy.

“It is exciting to be able to provide alternative products to our clients that are designed to reduce consumption of raw materials by replacing them with waste materials in their design without compromising the integrity of the bin in any way.”

Dr Shauna Costley

Grundon’s Clinical Compliance & Sustainability Manger

Andy Stratton, (Grundon’s Clinical Commercial Manager), has worked to drive Grundon’s innovation within the healthcare sector to pursue a more circular economy and help the NHS reach its net zero targets.

“Grundon has always been proud of being one step ahead and being the Benchmark for innovation. I see this as only the start and we are working on new projects and services that will ensure our customers benefit from our efforts to improve sustainability whilst ensuring value for money for our customers.”

Andy Stratton

Grundon's Clinical Commercial Manager

Grundon’s clinical waste team is always keen to incorporate sustainable advancements for the betterment of the environment and our customers’ sustainability goals.

To place an order or for further information, please contact us at clinical@grundon.com

Grundon’s clinical waste team is always keen to incorporate sustainable advancements for the betterment of the environment and our customers’ sustainability goals.

To place an order or for further information, please get in touch.

01628 501 591