From a UNDP-led healthcare initiative to circular materials innovation in New Zealand—how collaboration inspired the next chapter at ēkot Circular Solutions.
A few years ago, I had the privilege of representing New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region on the Sustainable Health in Procurement Project (SHiPP), led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with Health Care Without Harm and funded by Sida.
Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), the project aimed to reduce the environmental and social impacts of manufacturing, using, and disposing of medical products. A key outcome was the Sustainable Procurement Index for Health (SPIH) tool, which assesses suppliers across critical themes such as GHG emissions, resource depletion, toxicity, gender equity, and human rights.
Beyond the frameworks, the greatest takeaway was the power of collaboration. Working alongside UNDP colleagues and representatives from ten participating countries reinforced that meaningful change happens when people align around a shared purpose. Built on integrity, trust, and transparency, these relationships have extended well beyond the project.
Five years on, SHiPP remains a defining experience in my professional journey. It ultimately prompted a fundamental question: if we want organisations to buy more sustainable products, where do those sustainable materials originate?
That question led directly to my current work as Co-Director of ēkot Circular Solutions, a New Zealand start-up developing Circular Certified Raw Materials (CCRM) from recovered resources. At ēkot our three interlinking pillars; education, traceability and recovered product, can transform waste into high-value inputs for new products and educate supply chains.
This work is a natural continuation of the journey that began with SHiPP. Sustainable procurement goes beyond making better purchasing decisions—it requires building better systems, supporting innovation, and ensuring organisations have access to lower-impact materials. Through ēkot, I remain committed to driving collaboration and building a future where resources stay in circulation.
Sustainable Health in Procurement Project (SHiPP) | Health Care Without Harm - Global |Sustainable Procurement Index for Health (SPIH) |Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora
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