Two representatives of NHS Supply Chain discovered how Tork paper products give NHS trusts a sustainable product choice during a recent visit to SCA’s forests and mills in Sweden.
And both NHS Supply Chain employees declared themselves to be impressed by the sustainability of SCA’s operation.
The visit assessed work at SCA’s seed orchards, tree nurseries and forests together with the company’s Sundsvall pulp mill and a converting mill. Sophie Cros, sustainable procurement manager of NHS Supply Chain, said: "The need to reduce carbon emissions is becoming increasingly important in the NHS and I was particularly impressed by the carbon neutral element of SCA’s operations.
"The company’s forest management – and the biodiversity achieved in SCA’s forests – were also impressive. Sustainability is obviously a major element in SCA’s culture and its forest management is very much a long-term operation."
Diane Woodham, NHS Supply Chain’s paper hygiene products buyer, said: "SCA came across as a very professional and sustainably-run operation. I was very impressed by the company’s water management and by the way it runs its forests."
SCA owns 2.6 million hectares of forest making it Europe’s largest private forest owner. The company’s forest management is certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council’s (FSC) standard, which is regarded as the highest standard in International forestry management.
Tork accounts for around 50 per cent of the hand towels supplied to National Health Service hospitals via NHS Supply Chain. Tork Advanced zigzag towels are the best-selling hand towel within the National Health Service.
This spring, Tork Premium Extra Mild Soap plus two Tork hand lotion products were included in NHS Supply Chain catalogue for the first time
