Using the Right Cup for the Right Purpose: Lessons from the Frontline of NHS Procurement
This month, we are highlighting the Catering, Curtains, Textiles, and Pulp Category Team, which is part of the NHS Supply Chain: Facilities and Office Solutions function. Fran Adams, Category Procurement Specialist for Catering Consumables and Equipment, discusses the significance of using the appropriate cup for each purpose and how this simple adjustment can lead to substantial savings for NHS trusts.
Working in NHS procurement, I’ve learnt that even small decisions can make a huge difference. Cups are a perfect example of this.
At first glance, it might not seem important whether you use polystyrene (PS) or polypropylene (PP) cups. But using hot-drink cups for cold water is quietly costing NHS trusts thousands of pounds every year.
Why this keeps happening
It usually comes down to convenience. Ordering one type of cup for everything seems simpler. But when you use PS cups for cold water, you are paying more than you need to.
Based on the volume switching of our stocked PS and PP cup range, NHS trusts could find the following savings:
- Switching 1,000 packs over a year saves £742.80
- Switching 5,000 packs saves £3,714.00
- Switching 10,000 packs saves £7,428.00
And this is not just for large hospitals. Community hospitals and mental health sites see the same benefits by simply using the right cup in the right place. For more information about our stocked range, you can email me at Frances.Adams@supplychain.nhs.uk.
Where to start
I understand that product audits can feel like a huge task, and the last thing anyone wants is to add pressure on frontline teams. That is why I always recommend starting with obvious areas, such as water coolers, that are currently using PS cups unnecessarily. Once you know where the cups are going, it is just a matter of engaging with the teams using them and educating them about the switch.
What’s the difference between PS vs PP?
Both PS and PP are plastics, but they behave differently. PS cups are stiff and brittle, while PP cups are flexible and tend to bend rather than snap. PS cups can be used for both hot and cold drinks, whereas PP cups are designed for cold drinks only.
The environmental impact is worth noting too. PP cups can often be recycled, depending on local waste provider rules, helping trusts meet NHS Net Zero 2045 targets and reduce landfill waste. Choosing the right cup is not just about cost, it is also about sustainability.
Behind the scenes benefits
Patients will not notice a difference, and staff will not see much change day-to-day. But the impact on budgets and carbon reduction is real. Staff just need to be aware that PP cups are for cold drinks only. This is simple, straightforward, and effective.
Collaboration is key
Successful change comes from working together. Procurement teams need to know where products are ordered and used, then engage with catering, estates and facilities colleagues to understand actual usage. Estates teams also play a vital role in checking whether PP recycling is supported locally.
Overcoming barriers
The biggest hurdle is often familiarity. Many trusts keep ordering the same products simply because that is what they have always used. Raising awareness of viable alternatives and the benefit of switching is usually enough to get colleagues on board. Once staff see that the switch saves money, supports recycling, and does not compromise on service quality, the case is easy to make.
To explore our range of vending and cold-water cups and to learn more, take a look at the Catering Consumables and Equipment page on the NHS Supply Chain website or contact our team at facilitiesandofficesolutionssupport@supplychain.nhs.uk for further support and guidance.