Compostable Packaging

The ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ has mandated that all food packaging provided by campus retailers and used at ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ events on campus must be 100% compostable.Ìý

Stack of compostable packaging on yellow background

100% compostable packaging means it has been certified to break down completely into non-toxic components within 180 days in a commercial composting facility, like , our green waste service provider. Our compostable packaging is a mixture of cardboard, cornstarch and .Ìý

Our transition to compostable packaging demonstrates the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥â€™s commitment to creating a more sustainable campus and helps ensure the ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥ is compliant with .

Sustainable events

When planning your next on-campus event, please choose plastic-free alternatives.Ìý

Plastic-free alternatives

Single-use plastic item Plastic-free alternatives
Plastic straws
  • Paper or rye straws
Water bottles
  • Jug of water and glassware
  • Jug of water and compostable cups
  • Water refill station with glassware or compostable cups
  • BYO water bottle and refill on campus
Plastic plates, bowls and cutlery
  • Bamboo, wood or compostable plates, bowls & cutlery
  • Silverware
  • Crockery
Plastic bags Paper or fabric bags
Balloons, tinsel and plastic glitter
  • Paper lanterns, bunting and garlands
  • Compostable plant-based confetti or petals
Promotional giveaways
  • Seed sticks or paper
  • Stationery made from recycled content
  • Reusable drink bottles, coffee cups or cutlery

Sustainable event tips

ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Standards for Compostables

Look for ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n Standards when ordering packaging for your event.

  • Ensure there is an organic recycling bin (plus signage) and other necessary bins nearby.
  • Use an online registration system to predict attendance and cater accordingly.
  • Supply washable, reusable crockery and cutlery, and cotton tablecloths where practical.
  • Book local catering companies that prepare fresh, seasonal produce.
  • Provide a menu that is 50% vegetarian and/or vegan.Ìý
  • Reuse lanyards, badges, wristbands, signs and display materials where practical.
  • Give attendees information about teleconferencing, public transport and bike parking options to reduce travel miles.Ìý

Did you know?

  • Takeaway food and beverage packaging makes up more than a third of all litter on ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥n beaches.
  • Half of all plastic produced is designed to be used only once - then thrown away.
  • At least 8 million tonnes of plastics leak into oceans each year, equal to dumping a garbage truck in the ocean every minute.
  • Plastics never break down, they just get smaller and turn into plastic dust which can leach into our water ways and food chain.
  • Plastic litter is responsible for killing hundreds of thousands of sea creatures each year.

Learn more at the .