UCL launches disposable-free hospitality

Sustainable UCL and UCL’s catering team, Sodexo have worked hard to develop a solution that is light enough to be transported across UCL’s campus, but is durable long-term. Whilst the roll out has begun, it is being introduced in phases to refine the mechanism of collection and washing, enabling a smooth service for customers when launched fully in the spring period. 

In addition to this, UCL’s Refectory shop is being used as a test bed for plastic free alternative products. If you haven’t seen it already, pop down with your Tupperware to purchase plastic-free snacks including pick and mix, nuts and fruit. All drinks are also in non-plastic containers with careful thought to ensure their replacements are more sustainable.

“In 2019 UCL joined the global commitment on plastic pollution, and in 2019 we committed to being a single-use plastic free campus by 2024. Eliminating single-use plastics in our hospitality service is a significant step in achieving this goal. It represents senior leadership and huge achievement from our student and staff community who have been championing UCL to be a leader in sustainability for many years” (Richard Jackson, Director of Sustainability at UCL).

We are very excited to launch our single-use, plastic free hospitality offering at UCL! Not only will this be our response to an industry wide issue but it’s also in line with UCL’s new ambitious Sustainability Strategy.” (Harshil Gajjar, Hospitality and Events Manager).

The UCL community have been developing other initiatives to ensure a healthy and sustainable catering service at UCL; including:

• 7 departments have joined the campaign ‘Powered by Plants’ meaning that their events and meetings are 100% vegetarian and vegan.
• 1,000 meals have been saved from waste by using the ‘Too Good to Go’ app. Download to get cheap meals on campus.
• Since 2016 we partnered with UCL alumni Arthur Kay founder of bio-bean to turn our coffee waste into biofuel to power London buses.

Next UCL will be investing in a larger space for preparing catering, so that our hospitality service can be made ‘in-house,’ further reducing plastics and food miles.

FAQ’s

How will UCL's disposable-free hospitality service work?

Single-use disposables will be replaced by reusable catering equipment at all UCL events. This includes drop and go events and serviced events. Items will be delivered and collected by the hospitality team, who will wash the equipment for future events.

Please ensure that all plates, cups, glasses etc. are left for collection after the event/meeting. The success of the service will rely on keeping the reusable items in circulation.  Staff can support this by not taking items away from the event/room. Cleaners will periodically check kitchen spaces to identify missing items that need to be collected.

What else is UCL doing to reduce disposables in catering?

• Straws: All plastic straws have been replaced with paper straws.
• Cling Film: Thanks to a BASc student project, UCL’s catering service has reduced cling film by 28% by:
  • Using reusable covers for tray trollies
  • Training kitchen staff to use less
  • Using reusable boxes to store food in the kitchen
• Reusable water bottles and coffee cups are sold in all outlets
• Coffee Cup bins have been installed to recycle cups into high quality products

WIll the disposable-free catering be provided at small events?

Yes. The hospitality team will be delivering and collecting disposable-free catering to all events.

Will the disposable-free catering be used at big events such as the Bartlett Show?

The hospitality team will work closely with UCL events staff and external bookers to propose bespoke solutions to single-use plastics at all site-based events

Will water bottles in the hospitality service be reusable?

This service will recommence once the refurbishment works to the hospitality pantry in the Wilkins Building are completed in March.

What are the reusable cups, plates etc. made from?

The bowls, serving trays and mugs are made from Melamine. The lids and glasses are made from polycarbonate. They are both durable and long-lasting.

Are there any departments which will not receive disposable-free catering?

The Institue of Education will become disposable-free in July 2020 when they will join with UCL's main catering contract.

Will there be any additional costs?

All events, from drop and go, to serviced events will be disposable free. There is no added cost to bookers. Disposable free is the default standard for all events.