Vegware, the completely compostable packaging firm, has made a special case study cup showcasing how Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) has made a 70% saving on waste costs and become a zero waste Trust. Specially designed for the NHS Sustainability Day roadshow hosted by RBH on the 6th February, the compostable cup is simply composted together with food waste after use.
Steven Fall, RBH Sustainability Officer, said, “The NHS has a significant environmental impact within the UK, but through combining knowledge of successful case studies and actions we are able to reduce this impact and promote a more sustainable health service.”
Switch from conventional packaging
In 2010, RBH’s catering unit switched from conventional packaging to a wide variety of Vegware’s completely compostable disposables, opening the door to improved recycling. Used packaging had previously gone to general waste, and incinerated to create energy.
Now, food waste and compostable disposables are composted together taking just 6 weeks, reducing catering waste costs by 70%. In 2013, this zero-to-landfill NHS Trust composted 13 tonnes of used packaging, returning nutrients to the soil.
Steven Fall, RBH’s sustainability officer says, “By switching to Vegware products we have increased our commitment to sustainability within the Trust and I think it is important that other NHS Trusts consider this switch too.”
About Vegware
Run from its Edinburgh HQ, Vegware is now a global brand with operations in the UK, Europe, US, South Africa, Australasia and now UAE. UK clients range from the biggest contract caterers and food distributors through to government offices, NHS units and independent artisan cafes and delis.
All Vegware’s catering disposables are made from recycled and sustainably sourced eco materials and are completely compostable – so, unlike most foodservice packaging, Vegware can be simply recycled after use. Vegware’s non-profit initiative The Food Waste Network is a free service matchmaking any UK business with local food waste collections and promoting zero waste.