Polar Thermal Packaging has recently secured its second contract with the NHS Blood and Transplant Service – a five-year framework agreement awarded in 2024 after strong international competition. One of the key requirements was the responsible recycling of all transport systems at the end of their service life.
Although classed as “exhausted” under NHS guidelines, the systems retained enough structural integrity and insulation performance to be repurposed. At Polar, we believe that innovation should extend beyond commercial success to create real social value. Alongside our NHS-certified BloodMove system, we continue to seek ways to make a meaningful difference to people and communities.
One of our most significant initiatives is the take-back and upcycling of 3,500 retired Polar transport systems from NHS use. These are being transformed into thermal food delivery bags for the homelessness charity CRISIS, supporting their efforts to deliver hot meals to people experiencing homelessness or hardship.
To achieve this sustainably while generating further social value, we have partnered with the South West Prison Manufacturing Service. This collaboration gives inmates the chance to gain practical work experience, develop valuable skills and contribute positively to society. It is a powerful demonstration of how British manufacturing can promote rehabilitation and community well-being.
As part of developing the project, Polar’s Managing Director Paul Harrison and Chief Technology Officer Alex Porter visited several prisons, including HMP Erlestoke and HMP The Verne in Dorset. These visits were key to understanding how the initiative could be delivered most effectively. The Verne team impressed both Paul and Alex with their enthusiasm, organisation and commitment, making it the ideal partner facility for this project.
Under the arrangement, Polar supplies the returned systems with all NHS branding removed, together with a refurbishment kit containing replacement panels, sliders, zips and handles. The HMP team then remove the inner bag, fit the new Crisis-branded panels, and prepare the refurbished systems for final delivery to CRISIS.
The result is a fully functional, repurposed thermal transport solution – extending the lifespan of a high-quality product while creating social value at every stage.
Polar Thermal has been shortlisted for the Made in Britain Social Impact Award, recognising how a small British manufacturer can apply its expertise and resources to deliver lasting social and environmental benefits beyond its commercial remit.
Paul Harrison, Managing Director of Polar Thermal, said:
“We have always had a close relationship with the NHS, and homelessness has long been central to our charitable work. It made perfect sense to bring the two together. We visited Erlestoke Prison several times, but The Verne in Dorset proved the perfect match. We were impressed by the dynamic team and the positive attitude of the prisoners.”
Alex Porter, Polar’s Chief Technology Officer, added:
“This project shows what British manufacturing can achieve that cannot easily be replicated elsewhere. We’ve taken a best-of-breed product, worked with the NHS, the Prison Service and CRISIS, and created a meaningful solution for the homeless – all at no cost to the public.”
Paul concluded:
“Everyone wins here – we meet our obligations, the NHS sees continued value from its investment, the prisoners gain pride and skills, and the homeless receive hot meals. That’s the kind of outcome we’re proud to stand behind.”
About the Project
Polar Thermal’s NHS BloodMove systems are being recovered, refurbished and re-branded through an innovative partnership involving the NHS, the South West Prison Manufacturing Service and homelessness charity CRISIS. The initiative exemplifies circular design in British manufacturing, reducing waste, extending product life and delivering measurable social impact.
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