12.2 – Operational measures

12.2.5 – Policy for minimisation of plastic use

Policy for minimisation of plastic use

UKM is dedicated to leading by example in the effort to reduce plastic usage on campus, aligning closely with the goals of the Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021-2030. As part of this commitment, UKM has implemented policies that discourage single-use plastics and actively promote sustainable alternatives, such as reusable containers, tiffin carriers, and eco-friendly packaging. These initiatives extend across all campus facilities, from administrative offices to cafeterias and student centers, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within the university community. Through awareness campaigns, education, and accessible alternatives, UKM encourages students, staff, and visitors to embrace sustainable practices. By reducing plastic waste and supporting the principles of a circular economy, UKM contributes to Malaysia’s broader environmental objectives, aiming to protect natural ecosystems, reduce pollution, and pave the way for a sustainable future for generations to come.

1. The Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021-2030

In 2021, the Ministry Of Environment & Water published the Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021-2030, a comprehensive strategy to tackle plastic pollution and transition towards a circular plastics economy. This roadmap emphasizes recycling, reducing single-use plastics, eco-friendly design, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and public awareness to minimize plastic waste. By supporting this roadmap, UKM reinforces its commitment to reducing plastic waste, protecting aquatic ecosystems, and fostering a culture of sustainability on campus. This initiative not only minimizes pollutants but also raises awareness about the impact of plastic on marine life, inspiring students, staff, and the community to adopt practices that safeguard aquatic ecosystems for future generations. This roadmap also aligns with UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 (page 35), strengthening the management of food, solid and toxic waste. UKM is strengthening its management of food, solid, and toxic waste as part of its commitment to a sustainable campus. This initiative involves implementing guidelines for food waste separation in university cafeterias, ensuring cafeteria operators can effectively manage and segregate food waste for recycling or composting, thus reducing landfill contributions. Additionally, UKM is upgrading its Recycle Center to improve the handling of solid and potentially hazardous waste. By actively involving faculties, centers, institutes, and student associations in these sustainability efforts, UKM fosters a collaborative approach to responsible waste management. These actions reflect UKM’s dedication to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices across the campus community.

UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030: Strengthening the management of food, solid and toxic waste

Source: https://www.ukm.my/kelestarian/data/publications/UKM-SUSTAINABILITY-STRATEGIC-PLAN-2030.pdf

The action plans outlined in the Malaysia Plastics Sustainability Roadmap 2021-2030 offer a framework that can directly support Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) policy for plastic minimization, aligning with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Here’s how each plan can be adapted and implemented at UKM:

1. Phasing Out Problematic Single-Use Plastics (SUPs): UKM can adopt this action by banning specific SUPs on campus, such as plastic straws, bags, and utensils. The university can work with vendors and food outlets on campus to ensure the transition to sustainable alternatives, supporting responsible consumption practices (page 42).
2. Mandating Sustainable Design: UKM can enforce sustainable packaging standards for all products sold on campus, requiring that packaging be recyclable or reusable. This would encourage campus suppliers and businesses to rethink product design, reducing waste generation and promoting resource efficiency (page 42).
3. Improving Plastic Recovery and Recycling Rates: By expanding recycling facilities and setting up designated plastic collection points, UKM can improve waste segregation and recycling rates on campus. Clear signage and campus-wide awareness campaigns could enhance participation and ensure proper recycling practices (page 43).
4. Increasing Demand for Recycled Materials: UKM can promote the use of recycled materials by incorporating recycled content into its campus products and merchandise. By prioritizing recycled materials in procurement, the university can support the circular economy and encourage similar practices among the campus community (page 43).
5. Training for SMEs: UKM can provide workshops and training for campus vendors on sustainable business practices, such as minimizing plastic usage and adopting circular economy principles. This can empower local businesses on campus to align with UKM’s sustainability goals (page 46).
6. Circular Economy Award: Introducing an award for sustainability efforts on campus can motivate vendors and departments to reduce plastic waste. This recognition can foster healthy competition and encourage innovative approaches to sustainability within the university (page 46).
7. PLASTICBUSTERS Program: UKM can launch a similar awareness program to educate students, faculty, and staff about reducing plastic use. Through workshops, seminars, and social media, the program can instill a culture of sustainability and responsible plastic use across campus (page 46).
8. INSPIRE Program: By sharing success stories of departments or individuals who have significantly reduced their plastic footprint, UKM can inspire the campus community. Highlighting these achievements can foster a sense of pride and motivate others to adopt sustainable practices (page 46).
9. Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA): Regular awareness campaigns on the impacts of plastic pollution, responsible consumption, and recycling practices can strengthen the community’s commitment to SDG 12. By integrating these efforts into university orientations and events, UKM can build a foundation of sustainability knowledge among students and staff (page 46).

By implementing these strategies, UKM can strengthen its policy on plastic minimization, create a more sustainable campus environment, and lead by example in responsible consumption and production. This aligns with the broader goals of SDG 12, promoting sustainable practices within the UKM community and beyond.

2. UKM Prohibiting the Use of Plastic Drink Straws Policy

UKM has implemented a comprehensive policy to minimize plastic usage on campus, with a focus on both educational initiatives and operational changes. The university’s efforts are spearheaded The Circular ROSH No. 1/2019, Instruction Prohibiting the Use of Plastic Drink Straws, which came into effect on 1 April 2019. This directive mandates that all food suppliers operating on campus must comply with a ban on plastic straws. It applies to all food premises on campus and this significant policy change has been embedded into the vendor agreements for cafeterias and food outlets across the university. Kempen Kampus Sifar Polisterin” (Polystyrene-Free Campus Campaign) at UKM reflects the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability by actively reducing single-use plastics. By banning polystyrene and plastic bags on campus, encouraging the use of personal containers, and implementing incentives and penalties, UKM aims to foster a culture of eco-consciousness among its community. This initiative not only promotes a cleaner campus but also supports broader sustainability goals.

The circular above titled “Instruction Prohibiting the Use of Plastic Drink Straws” from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), dated February 28, 2019, addresses the ban on plastic straws in food premises across the campus. All parties involved in food supply on campus must comply with this prohibition by incorporating it into their practices. This ban is set to take effect on April 1, 2019. Faculty leaders and department heads are instructed to disseminate this directive to food premises managers, staff, and related parties within their respective areas. This initiative reflects UKM’s commitment to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable practices across campus.

The document above is a memo from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) announcing the launch of the “Kempen Kampus Sifar Polisterin” (Polystyrene-Free Campus Campaign), which was initiated in March 2015.  Effective April 1, 2015, all cafeterias and food kiosks on campus are prohibited from using polystyrene or plastic bags for food and drink packaging. This measure encourages a cleaner and more sustainable campus environment. UKM community members are encouraged to dine in cafeterias without using takeaway containers. Staff and students are advised to bring their own containers when purchasing takeaway food or drinks. Cafeterias are required to promote and offer discounts or incentives for customers who bring their own containers. A minimum charge of RM0.20 will be applied to customers who do not bring their own containers, with proceeds going toward covering container costs.

3. Ongoing Sustainability Programs

UKM’s Program to reduce the Use of plastic on Campus included a wide range of initiatives aimed at minimizing the environmental footprint of daily campus activities. Students and staff were encouraged to participate in reduced programs, and there was an active movement to replace harmful materials such as polystyrene with eco-friendly alternatives. As part of this initiative, the Sustainability Challenge 2023 featured a ban on polystyrene packaging for food containers, further reinforcing the university’s sustainable practices.

Water refillable to reduce plastic bottle

The entire college campus and administrative buildings at UKM are equipped with water purifiers to ensure that all students, staff, and visitors have access to safe, clean drinking water, fostering a healthy and environmentally responsible campus. This initiative not only promotes public health by providing purified water but also actively discourages the use of single-use plastic bottles, particularly within administrative offices. By reducing reliance on plastic bottles, UKM is minimizing plastic waste and supporting its commitment to environmental sustainability. This approach aligns with broader sustainability goals, emphasizing waste reduction and resource conservation, and setting an example for sustainable practices within the campus community. Through these efforts, UKM encourages a culture of environmental awareness and responsible consumption among its members.

Buildings at UKM are equipped with water purifiers

Reduce uses of plastic packaging in Campus

As part of UKM’s plastic and polystyrene minimization campaign, the university promotes sustainable alternatives like using tiffin carriers to replace non-eco-friendly packaging. This initiative encourages students, staff, and visitors to bring their own reusable containers, reducing the campus’s reliance on single-use plastic and polystyrene products. By fostering a culture of reusability and eco-conscious choices, UKM aims to decrease waste, lessen environmental impact, and inspire the campus community to adopt sustainable practices that contribute to a greener future.

Reduce uses of plastic packaging in Campus

Disposable drinking water

In 2023, UKM started to cultivate the use of mineral water in paper packaging for every meeting and event, which can simultaneously reduce the plastic waste generated by each responsibility center.

These impactful efforts supported UKM’s goal of achieving 100% implementation of SDG 12 through responsible plastic use policies, promoting recycling, and actively engaging the university community in sustainable waste management practices. This commitment ensured that UKM continued to lead the way in sustainable development, fostering a greener, healthier environment for future generations.