Harrods, the world-famous luxury department store, has solved one of its biggest headaches by diverting tonnes of its used paper hand towels from general waste.
Having already reduced Harrods' waste by replacing its paper hand towel product with a more absorbent alternative, Banner identified Kimberly-Clark Professional’s RightCycle service as a circular solution for paper towel sustainability.
The service seamlessly recycles all existing hand towel waste. The used paper towels are regularly collected, compressed and processed into new paper products. Critically, Banner was able to set up this service at no additional cost to Harrods while retaining the premium nature of what they offer.
The new programme is expected to reduce Harrods' waste footprint by 2.8 per cent, and has improved recycling rates by 1 per cent since implementing the programme in October 2021.
Mick Twelves, Key Account Manager at Banner, says, “I investigated a number of suppliers and it became apparent that traditional waste management companies do not accept paper hand towels with the mixed recycling. Then I found RightCycle by Kimberly-Clark Professional and I knew we were onto a winner. The result is a massive reduction in Harrods’ waste footprint, with no impact on purchase price."
“As a long-term customer, Harrods knows that it can make significant steps towards its own CSR goals through us. We’ve become an extension of their team, and through our ability to consolidate delivery and find solutions through our reach and relationships, we’ve been able to save the business time and money while also improving its sustainability.”
Rebecca Morgan, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Harrods, says, “We’re on a path to a sustainable future and, as part of that, we have some key focus areas for this year. We’re plotting our path to Net Zero, we’re looking to substantially reduce our waste and increase our recycling rates, and we’re looking to reduce plastic from around the business. Working with Banner and Kimberly-Clark, our facilities team identified the opportunity to recycle our paper towels into new paper products, which was an ongoing headache for Harrods.”
“We know 84% of customers now have sustainability goals in place, and two of the most common are a reduction in waste footprint, and increasing recycling rates. Taking up the hand towel recycling service, the RightCycle™ program can help a customer reduce their waste footprint by up to 25%, and also increase their recycling rate by 5%. The service reduces your waste footprint, supports your sustainability goals and helps develop the circular economy today and for the future.” says James Hallam – Global Circularity Manager, Kimberly-Clark Professional™.
James Hallam, Circularity Program Manager at Kimberly-Clark Professional, says, “The customers get a closed-loop service with RightCycle; they know the hand towels are going back into making new products that they can buy themselves. It’s as easy as throwing your hand towels away, but it’s a more responsible option for everyone, including the planet."
A more sustainable washroom
Since its ground-breaking launch over 10 years ago, the innovative RightCycle by Kimberly-Clark Professional™ has diverted over 1500 tonnes of previously hard-to-recycle non-hazardous PPE from landfill and incineration. This latest extension of The RightCycle™ Programme gives businesses the opportunity to transform the way they dispose of old dispensers and used hand towels for a more sustainable washroom.
Almost three-quarters (73%) of UK businesses say reducing the environmental impact of their hygiene products already guides their decision-making – a factor set to take on even more significance in the future.
To be eligible for the RightCycle™ Programme for hand towels any UK organisation must be using – or happy to switch to - Kimberly-Clark Professional™ hand towels. The Programme for dispensers is open to UK organisations with more than 100 customer-owned dispensers of any category.
To find out how Banner can help your business achieve its sustainable procurement plan, please speak to your Banner account manager, or complete the new customer enquiry form here.
View our wide range of sustainable products in our B Green catalogue - click here to view
Procurement Insights: For more insights join Banner on LinkedIn or follow us on Twitter