Leading the Way in Plastic Reduction

The workplace hygiene industry has long relied on virgin plastic for its products, but Simply Washrooms is rewriting the rules. As the first certified B Corp in our sector, we’ve pioneered a comprehensive plastic reduction strategy that’s not only transforming our business but setting new standards across the entire industry.

Our journey began with a clear recognition: the widespread use of virgin plastic in hygiene products was creating an unsustainable environmental burden. Rather than accepting this as an industry norm, we chose to challenge it head-on, developing innovative solutions that prove sustainability and service excellence can go hand in hand.

The Scale of the Challenge

When we conducted our first comprehensive carbon footprint analysis in 2021, the results were stark. Virgin plastic accounted for 73% of our material usage – a figure that demanded immediate action. The workplace hygiene industry had become heavily dependent on single-use virgin plastics, with little consideration for end-of-life disposal or environmental impact.

This presented a unique challenge. Unlike many industries where sustainable alternatives already existed, the washroom services sector had no established framework for large-scale recycled plastic adoption. We were entering uncharted territory, but our commitment to environmental responsibility meant there was no alternative but to forge ahead.

Our Pioneering Approach to Recycled Plastics

Breaking new ground required innovative thinking and strategic partnerships. We began by partnering with Kennedy Hygiene to source recycled plastic aggregates from UK suppliers, specifically targeting materials from WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and automobile recycling streams.

The development process was rigorous. We conducted extensive testing to ensure our recycled plastic hygiene bins met the same durability and hygiene standards as their virgin plastic counterparts. This wasn’t simply about replacing materials – it was about reimagining how workplace hygiene products could be manufactured sustainably without compromising quality.

Client education formed a crucial part of our strategy. We worked closely with customers to demonstrate that recycled plastic products offered identical performance whilst delivering significant environmental benefits. By April 2024, this collaborative approach had achieved remarkable results: 65.4% of the bins we sold were made from recycled plastic.

Closing the Loop: Our Circular Economy Model

Plastic reduction isn’t just about using recycled material – it’s about creating a comprehensive circular economy model. Our closed-loop recycling programme ensures that end-of-life plastic products are fully recycled into materials for new products, preventing waste from entering landfill streams.

This system has delivered measurable results. In 2024, we achieved:

• 59% recycled input plastic (up from 42% in 2023)
• 28% of total plastic in use being re-used or reconditioned bins
• 9.9 tonnes of rigid plastic saved through our reconditioning programme

 

Our bin reconditioning service exemplifies this circular approach. Rather than disposing of units that have reached the end of their service life, we collect, refurbish, and redeploy them. This process has prevented more than 2.5 tonnes of virgin plastic from entering our supply chain in a single large-scale project alone.

Industry Recognition and Awards

Our plastic reduction efforts have gained significant recognition within the sustainability sector. In 2025, Simply Washrooms won the Judges’ Choice Award (Regional) at the prestigious Metsä Sustainability Awards. This accolade specifically recognised our success in reducing virgin plastic usage and our pioneering role in driving recycled plastics adoption within the workplace hygiene industry.

The judges highlighted several key factors in their decision:

• Our role as the first workplace hygiene supplier in the UK to drive recycled plastics in manufacturing
• The measurable environmental benefits we’ve achieved
• Our leadership in becoming the first globally to achieve B Corp certification in our sector
• The collaborative approach we’ve taken with clients to align sustainability goals

Measurable Environmental Impact

Our plastic reduction strategy has delivered tangible environmental benefits that extend far beyond our immediate operations. Between 2022 and 2024, we achieved:

• 16% reduction in total plastic across all products
• 7% decrease in our carbon footprint (from 369 tCO2e to 344 tCO2e)
• 20% drop in Carbon Intensity (from 90 to 71.7)

These figures represent more than statistical improvements – they demonstrate that sustainable practices can be implemented at scale without compromising service quality or operational efficiency.

Supporting Client Sustainability Goals

Our plastic reduction initiatives align seamlessly with our clients’ own Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives. We provide bespoke environmental reporting that details the sustainability impact of our services, including:

• Asset material composition and weights
• Waste generation patterns and management insights
• Comprehensive greenhouse gas emission reports
• Proximity analysis to optimise logistical efficiency

This transparency enables our clients to accurately measure and report their own environmental impact, supporting their sustainability commitments with concrete data.

Innovation in Product Development

Our commitment to plastic reduction has driven significant innovation in product development. We’ve pioneered the use of recycled materials across our entire range, from feminine hygiene units featuring antimicrobial silver ion technology to plastic-free period product dispensers for our range of Grace & Green period products.

Each product in our range has been redesigned with sustainability at its core. Our hygiene units now incorporate maximum recycled content whilst maintaining the durability and performance standards our clients expect. This approach proves that environmental responsibility and operational excellence aren’t mutually exclusive.

Partnership and Collaboration

Achieving meaningful plastic reduction requires collaborative partnerships throughout our supply chain. We work closely with forward-thinking suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability, driving innovation in materials sourcing and manufacturing processes.

Our partnership with The Rivers Trust exemplifies this collaborative approach. By supporting water conservation and responsible waste management, we’re addressing environmental challenges that connect directly to our daily operations. This isn’t simply charitable giving – it’s strategic environmental stewardship.

The Competitive Advantage of Sustainability

Being first to market with comprehensive plastic reduction strategies has created significant competitive advantages. Our B Corp certification, combined with our proven track record in sustainable practices, positions us as the preferred partner for organisations with strong ESG commitments.

This positioning has translated into tangible business benefits. We maintain a 99% positive client satisfaction rating, with sustainability playing an increasingly important role in client decision-making. Our ability to support client sustainability goals whilst delivering exceptional service quality creates a compelling value proposition.

Looking Forward: Continued Innovation

Our plastic reduction journey is far from complete. We’re committed to continuous improvement, with ambitious targets for 2025 and beyond:

• Increasing recycled input plastic to 63%
• Raising recycled input metal to 35%
• Achieving 95% recycled input paper and cardboard
• Expanding our closed-loop recycling programme

We’re also developing science-based net zero targets aligned with 1.5°C climate goals, ensuring our plastic reduction efforts contribute to broader climate action.

Setting New Industry Standards

As the first certified B Corp in our industry, we’ve demonstrated that sustainable practices can be both environmentally beneficial and commercially successful. Our comprehensive approach to plastic reduction has inspired competitors to adopt similar strategies, creating industry-wide improvements in environmental performance.

This ripple effect represents perhaps our greatest achievement. By proving that sustainable workplace hygiene services are both possible and profitable, we’ve helped transform an entire industry’s approach to environmental responsibility.

Our plastic reduction strategy represents more than operational improvements – it’s a fundamental reimagining of how workplace hygiene services can operate. Through innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, we’ve created a model that other businesses can follow.

As we continue to push boundaries and set new standards, we remain focused on our core mission: delivering exceptional workplace hygiene services whilst protecting the environment for future generations. Our plastic reduction achievements prove that responsible business practices and service excellence aren’t just compatible – they’re essential for long-term success.