Extension of Disposable Item Minimisation Policies to Outsourced Services and Supply Chain

Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) ensures that its policies for the minimisation of disposable items are not limited to internal campus operations but are also extended to outsourced services and the supply chain. This initiative is a continuation of the university’s commitment as outlined in the Circular Letter of the Vice Rector No. 29/UN27/SE/2020 concerning the Prohibition of Using Single-Use Plastic Drinking Water Packaging and/or Plastic Bags and the Rector’s Instruction No. 28 of 2023 on the reduction of paper and plastic usage at UNS Campus. Both policies form the foundation for UNS’s broader efforts to promote sustainability and responsible consumption and production in line with SDG 12.

To implement these principles, UNS requires all third-party vendors, contractors, and service providers operating within the campus to comply with the same environmental standards set forth in these regulations. These expectations are incorporated into procurement guidelines and service agreements, ensuring that eco-friendly practices are consistently applied across all university-related activities.

For instance, catering services and campus event organizers managed by external partners are encouraged to replace disposable plastics with reusable utensils, cups, and containers, while suppliers are expected to minimize plastic wrapping and provide environmentally friendly alternatives. Additionally, UNS promotes the use of digital documentation and communication systems in collaboration with external agencies to reduce paper consumption, in line with the principles of the Rector’s Instruction No. 28 of 2023.

By extending the disposable item minimisation policies established under the Circular Letter and Rector’s Instruction to outsourced services and the supply chain, UNS strengthens a culture of sustainability, efficiency, and environmental responsibility beyond its internal operations. This integrated approach ensures that every stage of service delivery contributes to reducing disposable waste, supporting a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable campus ecosystem.