About Kimal
Kimal is a pioneering manufacturer and distributor of customised procedure packs and vascular access devices, serving clinical departments in over seventy countries worldwide, including the UK's National Health Service (NHS). Each year, Kimal produces over two million procedure packs and vascular access devices across a range of specialties, including Cardiology, Radiology, Pacing, Laparoscopy, and Cardiac Surgery. Their innovative central venous catheter technology has been instrumental in reducing patient risk in hospitals around the globe.
The Challenge: Quantifying and Addressing the Environmental Footprint
Kimal has long recognized the environmental impact of its operations and has been committed to sustainable practices. As a key player in the healthcare sector, minimising the company’s carbon footprint has become increasingly important. This commitment was solidified in 2021 when Kimal established a dedicated sustainability champion role to lead their environmental initiatives.
A primary focus for this role was to quantify the company's environmental impact across its operations. Kimal began by collecting data on Scope 1 (direct emissions from facilities) and Scope 2 (purchased energy) emissions, laying the foundation for a comprehensive sustainability strategy. The company also took steps to estimate Scope 3 emissions, which encompass a wide range of indirect emissions, including those from water and paper consumption, freight, waste, employee commuting and remote working.
In the same year, the UK Public Procurement Notice (PPN) 06/21 came into effect, mandating carbon footprint measurement and Net Zero targets for public contracts exceeding £5 million. This regulation aligned perfectly with Kimal's existing sustainability goals, pushing them to seek expert counsel to ensure the accuracy and reliability of their carbon footprint calculations.
The Solution: Partnering with Switch2Zero
Recognizing the critical need for accurate data, Kimal turned to Switch2Zero for expert validation of their emissions calculations. Under the guidance of their consultant, Leanne, Switch2Zero provided insights into additional elements that needed to be included in the calculations and supported Kimal in developing a reduction plan aligned with their Net Zero by 2040 pledge.
Adam Sheward, Corporate Development Manager and Sustainability Lead for Kimal, commented: “Switch2Zero has been instrumental in helping us quantify our carbon footprint. Their expertise in calculating Scope 1 and 2 emissions, both domestically and internationally, has provided us with the essential data needed to make informed sustainability decisions.”
Action Taken: Implementing the Reduction Roadmap
With a clear reduction roadmap in place, Kimal has made significant strides toward their Net Zero goal. They have transitioned to 100% renewable electricity across all of their UK sites and are actively redesigning core components within their surgical kits to minimise the use of plastics, exploring alternative materials to further reduce their environmental impact.
To enhance energy efficiency, Kimal is installing solar panels, adopting LED lighting, and implementing PIR sensors at their UK manufacturing facility. These initiatives aim to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. In parallel, Kimal has taken a proactive stance by opting to offset all remaining Scope 1 and 2 emissions through Switch2Zero, ensuring that their operations are as sustainable as possible.
In recognition of these efforts, Kimal was awarded the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Award for Excellence in Sustainability in 2023. The company also won the Regional Winner title in the Planet Saver category at the British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards, underscoring their leadership in sustainable practices both locally and nationally.
Taking Sustainability to the Next Level: Product Lifecycle Assessment
Building on their partnership with Switch2Zero, Kimal embarked on a comprehensive Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) to calculate the precise emissions associated with a selection of their customised procedure packs. This meticulous analysis covered the entire product lifecycle, from raw material extraction and manufacturing to distribution and end-of-life disposal.
By understanding the carbon footprint of each surgical pack, Kimal has gained valuable insights that empower them to:
- Identify areas for significant emission reduction: With detailed data, Kimal can now pinpoint specific stages in the product lifecycle that contribute the most to emissions. This allows them to target these areas for improvement, optimising their processes and material selection.
- Make informed decisions for sustainable product design: Armed with LCA data, Kimal can integrate sustainability considerations into the design phase of new products. This includes exploring alternative materials with lower environmental impact and optimising product packaging to reduce waste.
With verified data from Switch2Zero’s sustainability consultants, Kimal has confidently used the Switch2Zero platform to offset the carbon footprint of selected medical packs, offering carbon-neutral products to their suppliers.
Plans for the Future: Continuous Improvement
Having already implemented reduction measures across Scope 1 and 2 and offsetting 944 tonnes of CO2e, Kimal is now focusing on further reducing their Scope 3 emissions, with an initial focus on engaging their workforce to better understand and reduce emissions from employee commuting. Kimal's sustainability journey is a testament to their commitment to environmental responsibility. By partnering with Switch2Zero, they have gained valuable insights and implemented impactful measures to reduce their footprint. Their dedication to continuous improvement ensures that they remain at the forefront of sustainable practices in the medical device industry.
Meet PPN 06/21 Standards and Secure Your Future
Whether you're pitching for new business in the public or private sector, compliance with the UK PPN 06/21 regulation is crucial. This regulation sets the standards for the ‘Sustainability’ section of public contracts, particularly with the NHS, making it essential to accurately calculate and report your carbon footprint. Switch2Zero can tailor your reporting to meet these specific requirements, ensuring your business not only complies but stands out as a leader in sustainability. Take action now—partner with Switch2Zero to secure your competitive edge, meet regulatory demands, and lead the way towards a sustainable future.
