NHS Scotland joins international collaboration to transform healthcare supply chains

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NHS Scotland is playing a key role in an international collaboration exploring how healthcare supply chains can transition from traditional linear models to more sustainable, circular approaches.

The initiative—REHEAL (Reverse Healthcare Supply Chains for Circular Economy)—is an EU-funded Horizon Europe project bringing together healthcare organisations, academia and industry partners from across Europe. Its aim is to reduce waste, lower carbon emissions and keep valuable materials in use for longer.

Driving a shift to circular healthcare

At the heart of REHEAL is a focus on rethinking how products and materials are used across healthcare systems. Instead of the traditional ‘take, make, dispose’ approach, the project is exploring models based on reuse, refurbishment and remanufacturing.

Using a Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) approach, the project works with a European Buyers Group—including NHS National Services Scotland—to co-develop and test innovative solutions that can be scaled across health systems.

Supporting sustainable, value-based procurement

For NHS Scotland, involvement in REHEAL strengthens ongoing work to embed circular economy principles into procurement and supply chain decisions.

This includes:

  • Reducing waste and carbon associated with healthcare products and services
  • Extending the life of materials and equipment through reuse and refurbishment
  • Supporting more resilient and resource-efficient supply chains
  • Embedding sustainability alongside value and quality in procurement decisions

Working together to accelerate progress

Wendy Rayner, Head of NHS Scotland Circular Economy at the Scottish Government, said:

“Working internationally isn’t optional—it’s essential. The challenges we face in healthcare supply chains are shared across borders, and the solutions will be stronger, faster and more scalable when we develop them together.”

Looking ahead

Through REHEAL, NHS Scotland and its partners are helping to shape new approaches to circular supply chains in healthcare. The insights and solutions developed through the project will support future decision-making and contribute to a more sustainable, low-carbon health system.