12.2.5 : Policy for minimisation of plastic use
Mandatory Ban on Single-Use Plastics
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has established a definitive and impactful institutional policy for the minimization of plastic use, directly aligning with global efforts under SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
The UTM Campus Sustainability Policy 2021 implements a powerful, non-negotiable mandate that effectively bans non-biodegradable, single-use plastic items from its operations, specifically stating:
"Eliminating non-biodegradable packaging of food and beverages through the No Single-Use Plastics Campus Initiative."
This policy is an immediate, binding directive that moves beyond mere encouragement or awareness campaigns to enforce a fundamental shift in campus consumption and procurement practices. The key impact lies in the scope and certainty of the action:
- Systemic Elimination: By targeting the elimination of non-biodegradable packaging, UTM drastically reduces the primary source of short-lived plastic waste on campus.
- Broad Operational Scope: The requirement applies specifically to "food and beverages," which is a high-volume, high-frequency consumption area involving all campus community members, suppliers, and vendors. This ensures the policy's effect is felt across canteens, cafes, and campus events.
- Focus on Environmental Impact: The policy’s use of the term "non-biodegradable" frames the minimization effort around the most environmentally harmful plastics, steering consumption towards reusable or compostable alternatives.
The formal adoption of this No Single-Use Plastics Campus Initiative within the 2021 policy poster provides clear, public evidence of a binding commitment to minimize plastic use as a key pillar of its waste management strategy.
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