One Simple Change: Better Supply Chain Decisions

How CTW Events and @BambuuBrush demonstrate the power of sustainable alternatives and more thoughtful procurement

Small Actions. Big Impact

Every year, an estimated 3.5 billion plastic toothbrushes are discarded globally. Most are likely to end up in landfill or the natural environment because their combination of plastics and nylon makes them extremely difficult to recycle.^[1] Although small, this everyday product illustrates a much bigger challenge: organisations make thousands of purchasing decisions every year, many of which carry hidden environmental consequences. Sustainability does not always begin with revolutionary innovation. Often, it begins with choosing a better alternative.

Since 2021, CTW Events has partnered with @BambuuBrush to replace conventional plastic toothbrushes with bamboo alternatives across its hygiene kit programmes. Through this simple change, more than 3,025,000 bamboo toothbrushes have been distributed, preventing an estimated 60,050 kg^[6] of plastic toothbrushes from entering circulation. The partnership demonstrates how one procurement decision can deliver measurable environmental impact at scale while supporting communities around the world.

Impact at a Glance

The Challenge Isn't Plastic. It's Habit.

Plastic pollution is frequently associated with bottles and packaging, yet billions of toothbrushes quietly contribute to the problem each year. Their mixed-material construction means they are rarely recycled and can remain in the environment for centuries.^[1] The challenge is not simply the material itself; it is the assumption that conventional products are the only practical option. Every business purchases products for guests, employees, customers and events. Rethinking those choices creates an opportunity to lower environmental impact without compromising quality or experience.

Why Sustainable Alternatives Matter

Sustainable procurement is becoming a strategic priority. Organisations are increasingly expected to show how purchasing decisions contribute to ESG objectives, minimise avoidable material use and support circular economy principles. The most effective changes are often straightforward: selecting a better material, redesigning a product or working with a more responsible supplier. When adopted consistently across thousands or millions of purchases, these decisions can create lasting, measurable impact.

Finding Partners Who Share Your Values

Meaningful progress depends on collaboration. CTW Events sought a partner whose purpose extended beyond manufacturing a product. Founded in 2019 by Rebecca and Tommie Eaton, @BambuuBrush is a Certified B Corporation built around one belief: One Simple Change. Inspired by witnessing plastic pollution across coastlines around the world, the company helps organisations replace unnecessary plastic with renewable alternatives while encouraging people to reconsider everyday choices. Shared values centred on practical action, continual improvement and measurable impact made the partnership a natural fit.

“Our partnership with CTW Events is built on a shared belief that better choices should create better outcomes, for people, communities and the planet.”

Tommie EatonCo-Founder, @BambuuBrush

Why Bamboo?

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing renewable materials on Earth.^[5] It can regenerate quickly after harvesting and is valued for its strength, durability and versatility. Across multiple industries, bamboo is being explored as an alternative to conventional plastic in suitable product categories. No material is a universal solution, and sourcing, manufacturing and end-of-life considerations still matter. However, a thoughtfully selected bamboo alternative can reduce reliance on virgin plastic in a high-volume, everyday product such as a toothbrush.

More Than Better Products. Better Outcomes.

Every CTW Events hygiene kit represents more than environmental progress. It represents dignity, care and practical support for people experiencing hardship. By integrating more sustainable products into kits assembled by corporate volunteers, CTW Events creates both environmental and social value. Millions of hygiene kits have reached communities in need, while hundreds of thousands of participants have taken part in purpose-driven volunteering experiences.

Building a More Sustainable Hygiene Kit

The bamboo toothbrush was not an isolated product switch. Since 2021, CTW Events has continued to review the materials and products used across its hygiene kits, working with partners such as @BambuuBrush to identify more responsible alternatives wherever practical. This approach recognises that improving procurement is rarely achieved through one perfect solution; it develops through a series of considered choices across the complete kit.

CTW Events has also explored alternatives to conventional toothpaste, including DENTTABS dental tablets. Their compact format offers a different approach to oral care and can reduce the need for a traditional toothpaste tube within selected kit formats. In addition, CTW Events has worked with packaging partners to develop biodegradable and compostable bag options for holding hygiene-kit items, where the materials and intended disposal route are appropriate.

Together, these changes demonstrate a broader procurement principle: once an organisation begins questioning one conventional product, it becomes easier to reassess the whole system around it. The goal is not to claim that every material challenge has been solved. It is to keep improving product specifications, supplier relationships and packaging choices as better options become available.

A Different Way to Think About Procurement

Procurement is one of the most powerful yet overlooked levers for sustainability. Rather than asking only what a product costs or whether it performs its immediate function, organisations can also ask what materials it contains, how it was produced, how often it will be purchased and what happens at the end of its useful life.

Small decisions, repeated at scale, can create significant positive outcomes. The shift is not about perfection. It is about choosing better whenever credible and practical alternatives exist, and helping procurement teams recognise the influence their decisions can have across environmental performance, social value and supplier innovation.

Every Product Is an Opportunity

The toothbrush is not the end of the story; it is the beginning of a different mindset. Organisations around the world purchase thousands of products each year, from amenities and packaging to stationery, uniforms and event materials. Each category presents an opportunity to question the default, engage suppliers and explore alternatives with a lower impact.

The collaboration between CTW Events and @BambuuBrush shows what is possible when organisations align around shared values and commit to continual improvement rather than a one-time change. One better choice can begin with a toothbrush. Its influence can extend across an entire procurement strategy.