Laundry will be a concept many of you will be familiar with. For the eco-conscious readers, when you do your laundry at home you will apply techniques that limit the impact of each wash, such as washing at lower temperatures, using more organic-based washing powders, and may air dry clothes. But have any of you considered the environmental impact of commercial laundry?

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with many NHS Trusts in the UK looking to adapt and embrace the new technologies that are becoming available. However, an abundance of legacy systems paired with the siloed nature of NHS Trusts, is leading to a disjointed and inefficient approach to development. Too often Trusts are reinventing the wheel, developing solutions (with all the costs, resources, and carbon footprint that comes with it) that to a certain extent already exist in one or multiple Trusts, rather than utilising and adapting these to their needs.

As health is so intrinsically linked to the environment, the NHS has an essential role to play in meeting its 2040 net-zero targets. A fundamental part of becoming net-zero is minimising waste, ensuring longevity in the assets and equipment that are utilised, alongside re-using where applicable.