Waste Bags and Aprons · UK public procurement notice

The contract will cover the supply of waste bags and aprons for use across NHS Wales facilities. Suppliers are encouraged to propose solutions that meet clinical standards, reduce environmental impact, and deliver economic and social benefits to Wales. A full list of products shall be provided at tender stage.

Key Objectives

1. Sustainability

NHS Wales is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030, as outlined in the NHS Wales Decarbonisation Strategic Delivery Plan. Suppliers are invited to demonstrate:

• Low-carbon materials and production: Use of recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable materials for waste bags and aprons, with a focus on reducing Scope 3 emissions.
• Circular economy principles: Solutions that minimise waste, promote reuse, or enable closed-loop recycling, aligning with the Welsh Government’s Workplace Recycling Regulations and WPPN 016: Decarbonisation through Procurement.
• Innovative products: Proposals for compostable aprons or waste bags compatible with NHS waste streams, reducing reliance on single-use plastics.
• Carbon footprint transparency: Commitment to carbon reduction plans or product carbon footprint (CFP) labelling, as per the Carbon Trust’s Product Carbon Footprint Standards. Please note that suppliers will be provided to submit their Carbon Reduction Plans as part of this tender process.

Suppliers should consider alignment with the Evergreen Sustainable Supplier Assessment to showcase their sustainability credentials.

2. Foundational Economy

The Foundational Economy (FE) is central to Welsh Government policy, accounting for 40% of jobs and £1 in every £3 spent in Wales. This procurement aims to strengthen local supply chains and economic resilience by:

• Prioritising Welsh SMEs and local suppliers: Encouraging bids from Wales-based businesses, including SMEs and social enterprises, to retain economic value within the region.
• Sub-contracting opportunities: Inviting main contractors to collaborate with local SMEs or supported businesses to deliver elements of the contract.
• Place-based procurement: Supporting regional supply chains to enhance job creation and economic stability, as per WPPN 013: SME-Friendly Procurement.

Suppliers are encouraged to register on Sell2Wales and engage with Business Wales for support in meeting public sector requirements.

3. Social Value

In line with WPPN 01/20: Social Value Clauses/Community Benefits and the Wales Procurement Policy Statement 2021, this procurement seeks to deliver measurable social benefits, including:

• Fair work practices: Commitment to ethical employment, fair wages, and prompt payment (within 30 days) to suppliers and subcontractors.
• Community benefits: Contributions to local communities, such as supporting STEM education, tackling poverty, or promoting cultural initiatives.
• Inclusivity: Opportunities for diverse suppliers, including social enterprises and supported businesses, to participate in the supply chain.
• Health and well-being: Ensuring products enhance the safety and well-being of NHS staff and patients while minimising environmental harm.

Suppliers should propose key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor social value outcomes, aligning with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

Engagement Process

This PMEN invites suppliers to provide feedback on innovative, sustainable, and socially responsible solutions for waste bags and aprons. Key areas for input include:

• Product specifications and sustainability features.
• Supply chain resilience and local sourcing capabilities.
• Opportunities for collaboration with SMEs or social enterprises.
• Strategies to reduce costs while maximising environmental and social benefits.

Interested suppliers should register on Sell2Wales (www.sell2wales.gov.wales ↗) and submit expressions of interest by 31/07/2025.

Further details, including how to participate in engagement sessions, will be provided upon registration. Suppliers involved in this preliminary engagement will not gain an unfair advantage, in line with the Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement (Wales) Regulations 2024.