Resources

This case study highlights how Wastesavers provides local employment, supplies affordable products to those in need, keeps products in use for longer and generates income through upcycling to support these overlying objectives.

This case study is to highlight the benefits of a circular approach to re-use, repair and recycling/upcycling, and the commercial opportunities this provides.

Between 2019 - 2022, WRAP has worked in collaboration with more than 20 partner organisations, including Welsh businesses and academic institutions, to deliver four supply chain projects.

The following case studies capture the barriers and learnings from the trials that were funded by Welsh Government.

In 2021, the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), The
National Lottery Community Fund (TNLCF), and Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) commissioned social enterprise Ministry of Furniture (MoF), based in Port Talbot, South Wales, to fit out a new office space in Cardiff.

The project was commissioned via the Welsh Government Provision of Furniture Solutions Framework which has remanufactured and re-use as a core part its offering. The Framework was designed to enable Public Sector buyers in Wales to choose a more sustainable approach to sourcing items of furniture.

An estimated 80% of NHS Wales’ carbon footprint is directly linked to the goods and services they purchase. As part of a drive to shift the NHS towards more sustainable consumption, and cut carbon and waste, it is essential that items such as wheelchairs are maintained and used to their full potential.

Swansea-based Techlan's business model demonstrates the circular economy in action in Wales.

The company successfully developed and patented a method for removing surface contamination from large reels of silicone release paper used in the manufacture of composites for the aerospace and wind energy sectors.

This high value paper was used just once and then landfilled, until Techlan devised a process to clean the paper on both sides, allowing it to be reused several times.

Using 100% recycled plastic in challenging commercial times

Using recycled plastic, cutting costs, and boosting revenue – JC Moulding case study.

In 2018, Hywel Dda University Health Board began exploring ways to save money and resources, with an emphasis on recognising when equipment could be re-used rather than replaced.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) intends to procure £9 million worth of young trees to plant in Wales. They are keen to take a sustainable approach and to help deliver upon public policy goals. These include those of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, Prosperity for All: A Low Carbon Wales and the ambitions set out in Beyond Recycling: A strategy to make the circular economy in Wales a reality.