7th August 2025

CTMUHB’s Clinical Biochemistry Team win Institute of Biomedical Science Sustainability Award

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB)’s Clinical Biochemistry Team won the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Award for Sustainability, at the IBMS awards ceremony that took place in London on 4th July 2025.

CTMUHB’s Clinical Biochemistry team was honoured for the department’s pioneering initiative, ‘Biochemistry lab bench to park bench’, which focuses on recycling high-grade laboratory plastics. The project explores innovative ways to repurpose plastics, that would typically be disposed of as clinical or general waste through incineration or landfill.

With over 21,000 members across 74 countries, the IBMS is the leading professionals body for biomedical scientists, support staff, and students.

The IBMS Awards provide a platform to showcase exceptional work and innovation in biomedical science, and to recognise the people, teams and organisations delivering outstanding work in the biomedical science profession.

By working in collaboration with CTM’s Facilities department, Elite Paper Solutions and Pulse Plastics, the team was able to reduce plastic waste by 15%, by having the plastic separated, recycled and repurposed. During a six-month trial, 2000 reagent bottles and 9000 tip trays were diverted from incineration and instead, were repurposed for sustainable manufacturing uses.

The award judges said: “The winner (CTMUHB) promoted biomedical science within the wide community, using sustainability as a vehicle to demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to engaging with and supporting its local population.”

Andrea Wayman, Chief Executive, ELITE Paper Solutions said: “We are thrilled that our partnership with CTMUHB’s Clinical Biochemistry services team has been recognised and honoured with this award. As well as supporting CTMUHB’s sustainability efforts, this work is supporting apprentices, disabled people and people with social disadvantages to gain meaningful employment through training programmes facilitated by ELITE Paper Solutions.”

Mark Henry, Clinical Biochemistry Service Manager said: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive the IBMS 2025 Award for Sustainability. It’s fantastic to have our efforts recognised by our own professional body. The initiative has earned recognition not only for its environmental impact but also for its strong emphasis on social responsibility, setting a benchmark for sustainable practices in healthcare science.

“We were able to reduce clinical waste and minimised carbon emissions, whilst at the same time supporting meaningful employment opportunities for disadvantaged people through our partnerships. This award is a real testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff, especially in driving better waste segregation and making sustainability part of our everyday practice. I’d like to give a huge thank you to our facilities team for their close collaboration and support.”

Calum Shaw, Sustainability Manager said: “By collaborating with external partners, the Clinical Biochemistry services team has been able to embed circular economy principles in waste management, resulting in a reduction in carbon emissions, and supporting the wider health board by reducing our carbon footprint.”