MoJ Procurement - Winner of the Procurement Award, supported by Visa Commercial

Imagine the equivalent of more than 30 double decker buses going to landfill each year.

That’s what was happening until the Ministry of Justice addressed the problem of prison mattress supply and disposal with an innovative and sustainable solution. It is a solution that not only protects the environment and promotes innovation, but is so cost-effective that it is set to save HM Prison Service more than £4.5m during the life of the new contract.

As well as the environmental impact, clinical waste disposal is expensive at around £50 per mattress and £6.50 per pillow. The situation did not help the MoJ achieve its Sustainable Operations on the Government Estate (SOGE) targets. An innovative solution was needed.

The first step was a concept viability workshop (a technique borrowed from the IT sector). The workshop involved materials scientists, the design community plus representatives from manufacturing and government. Suppliers were able to meet and produce joint bids and develop relationships for the future.

The contract was awarded to Carpenters Ltd in the UK. A newly developed cover reduced greatly the need for mattresses and pillows to be disposed of as clinical waste before the end of their useful life. Plus, the new mattress can be fully repurposed; made into carpet underlay or similar products. Fewer mattresses will be needed as the new product will have a lifespan that is 20 per cent longer.

Mattresses for disposal will be delivered and collected by HMPS’s own fleet on journeys to and from establishments to its central depot, minimising the number of vehicle movements. The final savings are considerable, proving that a sustainable option does not have to be a costly one.

civil service awards, shortlist, Procurement Award, MoJ

Last updated 243 days ago by Kevin Sorkin