After initially being introduced in 2021 into its consumer business, Wiltshire Farm Foods, ‘Project Boomerang’ was launched into the NHS in 2023. Since seen an impressive tray return rate from participating hospitals, currently sat at over 50%, and helped to save an estimated 13,924kg of CO2e.
Under the scheme, all meal trays used in Apetito’s carte choix and specialist nutrition ranges can be collected and recycled into completely new trays, right here in the UK. Since inception, the system has seen a total of over 25 million trays returned from both its Wiltshire Farm Foods and healthcare customers nationwide.
Clare Winter, head of sustainability at Northumbria healthcare facilities management, said: “We take our waste management very seriously here at North Tyneside General Hospital, and Boomerang is a stand-out project. Our catering team have taken this in their stride with ease, making recycling the trays a part of their everyday – which is essential for success.
“This scheme has showcased exactly what could be done at all hospitals. It is an integral part of reaching our waste management targets through reducing the amount of waste that we produce and is supportive of our overall sustainability strategy. We are looking to rolling out Project Boomerang at every site within the Trust. We’ve showcased the success at North Tyneside with excellent return rates and we hope to see that continue across all our sites.”