Tesco, Veolia, Groundwork and NHS Property Services (NHSPS) have joined forces to recycle soft plastics into outdoor furniture for upcoming social prescribing green spaces. Since 2019, NHSPS has delivered 100 hubs and gardens across the country with the aim to promote community wellbeing and connectivity through nature-centric environments.

Over six tonnes of soft plastics were donated by Tesco and transformed into a sustainable recycled plastic lumber.

This lumber was accredited by BBA with a life expectancy of 120 years, requires little maintenance and is designed not to rot or rust. Overall, this process resulted in approximately 15.5 kg of carbon dioxide savings.

The first beneficiary of this collaboration is John Scott Health Centre. The London health and care facility has seen its green space revitalised to give areas for community engagement and social prescribing activities.

This space is a part of a bigger scope; further projects are planned at: Maghull Health Centre, Merseyside; Goscote Hospice, Walsall; Shaw House, St Austell and Whitby Community Hospital.

John Scott Health Centre, the first purpose-built health centre in Britain, was once home to an active gardening group which lost its space to a pop-up vaccination centre during the COVID-19 pandemic. NHSPS has reinstated the garden area, making it a welcoming and usable area with decking and accessible picnic tables.

Dr. Min Rodriguez, head of social impact at NHSPS, said: “We are proud to see the continuous development of our Social Prescribing programme. This collaboration highlights the potential of innovative partnerships to not only create vibrant spaces for public benefit but also to drive positive change in healthcare and environmental sustainability. And it’s particularly especial that we are repurposing soft plastics instead of increasing waste.”