phs pioneers an eco-friendly liner service which reduces carbon emissions and saves water.
phs, a key supplier under the Welsh Government Commercial Delivery (WGCD) Cleaning and Washroom Services Framework (NPS-CFM-0099-19) pioneers an eco-friendly liner service which reduces carbon emissions and saves water, helping the WGCD to promote a sustainable and low-carbon future for Wales.
Headquartered in Caerphilly, South Wales, phs is transforming feminine hygiene waste management services. Aligned with WGCD values, this case study highlights the strategic shift in phs’ approach and the significant impact the process change is having on supporting customers by achieving greater sustainability and service efficiency.
Implementing sustainable solutions
With the support of the WGCD team phs is providing customers under their framework with liner servicing. Formerly, feminine hygiene bins were exchanged, and full units were returned for servicing. However, a ground-breaking decision was made to adopt a liner only collection service. This service change reduces carbon emissions, saves water, and improves the waste management process whilst streamlining service delivery.
Key achievements and benefits:
1. Reducing carbon emissions and water usage
Investments in eco-friendly vehicles, intelligent routing systems, and efficient driver behaviour programs have collectively reduced carbon emissions by over 12,000 tonnes since 2020. The switch from bin exchange to liner exchange is further reducing phs’ carbon footprint by significantly decreasing electricity and water consumption, preserving these invaluable resources.
2. Transforming waste management
The WGCD recognises the impact hygiene waste has on our environment and supports phs’ strategy to divert hygiene waste away from landfills. Waste is now directed to energy recovery facilities (ERFs) through the phs LifeCycle Strategy and their partnership with Viridor. In ERFs, the waste is incinerated to generate energy, powering various sectors, while the recycled waste ash contributes to the construction industry, creating a circular waste management system.
3. Enhanced service efficiency and customer satisfaction
The liner exchange service, provided to phs customers under the WGCD Framework, is streamlining service efficiency. By eliminating the need for frequent bin transportation disruptions are minimized. This discreet and efficient approach is enhancing customer satisfaction, allowing washrooms to be clean and ready for use promptly.
Commercial delivery objectives
By actively contributing to the WGCD objectives of creating a prosperous, innovative, low-carbon society, phs sets a benchmark for environmentally responsible waste management. This initiative represents a significant step towards building a sustainable future for Wales, reinforcing the commitment of the WGCD for a greener tomorrow.
Paul Hughes, Head of Public Sector at phs said:
"Implementing this service aligns with the Welsh Government's vision of a low-carbon, sustainable Wales. It enables us to deliver a quicker, less intrusive service while significantly reducing our environmental impact. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to Net Zero Wales goals, and we appreciate the support and recognition of the WGCD."
Paul Griffiths, Head of Welsh Government Procurement Delivery, said:
“we are delighted to work with Welsh based suppliers under our Framework Agreements to offer innovative solutions to public sector customers. It’s great to see solutions which help reduce carbon emissions and support the goals of the Wellbeing of future Generations Act”.
James Beynon, Principal Commercial Officer at Swansea City Council, said:
“The introduction of the phs eco-friendly liner service within Swansea Council has been excellent and I would highly recommend. phs have introduced this service in all sites and now do a liner service and clean the bins in situ which is beneficial from a low carbon, sustainability and hygiene perspective and has also led to an improved ability from phs to react to requests. The switch from a bin exchange to liner service has led to reduced carbon emissions and water usage and a more streamlined service delivery. phs also employ a local workforce who deliver this service. Implementation of Sustainable Solutions such as the liner service, diverting hygiene waste away from landfill, enhanced service efficiency and local employment aligns with Swansea Council’s commitment to Net Zero Carbon, sustainability and the wider Well-being of Future Generations Act (WFGA) goals.”