A mixed-methods analysis of the climate impact, acceptability, feasibility and cost of switching from single-use pulp to reusable plastic trays in a large NHS trust

A large, multi-site NHS trust piloted switching from single-use pulp to reusable plastic trays for use in clinical care. This mixed-methods analysis combines quantitative cost-effectiveness and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions calculations with a stakeholder analysis and user survey to not only ascertain the cost and climate implications of this intervention, but to also better understand the use of trays across the trust to improve staff buy-in and, ultimately, the feasibility and success of the policy. We show that the plastic trays are both more cost-effective and climate friendly compared with the pulp trays, even using an annual replacement rate of 50% (higher than our anticipated rate of 5%), and that staff and key stakeholders would support the policy. Our analysis is one example of a larger trend in the return to reusable items, as awareness grows of the significant GHG emissions and waste produced from disposable, single-use items in healthcare.