Sodexo Singapore eliminates all single-use plastic straws from 1st March

Singapore, 5th March 2019 – Sodexo, the world leader in Quality of Life Services, has pledged to eliminate plastic straws from its Singapore operations from 1st March 2019.

This effort is the first step in Sodexo’s comprehensive Single-Use Plastics Reduction Plan, and an integral part of Sodexo’s Corporate Responsibility blueprint, the Better Tomorrow 2025 roadmap. Looking to the future, Sodexo will continue to work with its partners to phase out other single-use plastic products such as cutlery and provide sustainable alternatives.

Johnpaul Dimech, Singapore Country President, Sodexo, said:
“Consumers are increasingly looking to Sodexo and the food industry to provide a green experience, and plastic straws are just the first step in our Single-Use Plastics Reduction Plan. In the longer term, we will continue to work with industry partners to drive meaningful impact and behavioural change on the topic of plastic pollution and also climate change.”

To ensure that the policy adequately addresses the diverse needs of consumers, including consumers with accessibility requirements, Sodexo will be providing eco-friendly alternatives upon request at its food outlets. 

As a nation, Singapore discards 2.2 million plastic straws daily. Plastic waste pollution has an adverse impact on our natural resources, such as water and marine life. Through this commitment, Sodexo Singapore will be able to reduce the usage of half a million plastic straws annually.

Going beyond plastic straws, several Sodexo teams have piloted the incorporation of sustainable options within food services. This includes introducing sustainable alternative packaging or incentivising consumers for bringing their own reusable mugs. 

As a leader in global sustainability issues such as waste, Sodexo contributes actively to a better tomorrow in the local communities it operates in. In 2018, Sodexo was recognised as the industry leader in sustainability, ranking best in class for 14 years in a row on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. In Singapore, Sodexo was the recipient of the Champions of Good award by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre for two years running.