UNNES Strengthens Its Single-Use Plastic Reduction Policy Through Regulations and Rector’s Circular Letters
Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) has continued to strengthen its commitment to reducing plastic waste through institutional regulations and policies aimed at encouraging environmentally responsible practices across campus. As a Conservation University, UNNES has introduced measures to limit the use of single-use plastics and promote more sustainable alternatives in academic and administrative activities.
The university’s policy on single-use plastics was initially established through Rector’s Regulation No. 21 of 2019 concerning the Prohibition of Single-Use Plastic Use at UNNES. The regulation was part of the university’s efforts to support national initiatives to reduce plastic waste, particularly plastic drinking water packaging and plastic bags. Its implementation encouraged campus units to reduce disposable plastic products and adopt more environmentally friendly practices.
The policy was reinforced through Rector’s Circular Letter No. B/4736/UN37/RT.09/2019, which communicated restrictions on single-use plastic drinking water packaging and plastic bags within the university. UNNES also encouraged the use of personal drinking bottles and provided alternatives to disposable packaging during meetings and other campus activities. These measures demonstrate the university’s efforts to translate its environmental policy into everyday institutional practices.
In 2020, the Graduate School of UNNES continued to communicate restrictions on single-use plastic drinking water packaging and plastic bags through its publishedcircular letters and internal regulations. This implementation shows how the university’s plastic reduction efforts were also reflected in policies at the unit level.
The university strengthened its commitment further in 2024 through Rector’s Circular Letter No. B/28525/UN37/PA.00.00/2024 concerning the Reduction of Single-Use Plastic at UNNES. This circular letter complements the university’s broader environmental policy by reaffirming the need to minimize disposable plastic use across campus. The policy framework was also updated through Rector’s Regulation No. 125 of 2024 concerning the Prohibition of Single-Use Plastics at UNNES, established on 31 October 2024. The new regulation replaced Rector’s Regulation No. 21 of 2019 and provided a renewed institutional basis for implementing plastic reduction measures.
Under the updated regulation, the prohibition covers single-use plastic products such as drinking water packaging, plastic bags, food containers, and plastic eating utensils. All university work units are expected to support and coordinate its implementation. Violations may result in administrative warnings, reinforcing the importance of compliance with the university’s environmental policy.
The university’s efforts also extend to reducing plastic-based materials used for congratulatory purposes and campus events. In 2025, UNNES emphasized the use of more environmentally friendly alternatives, including paper-based materials and live plants, instead of plastic-based displays and decorations. This approach encourages university units, event organizers, and campus partners to consider environmental impacts when preparing institutional activities.
Through the development of regulations, the issuance of circular letters, and the implementation of practical alternatives, UNNES demonstrates a continuing institutional commitment to minimizing single-use plastic consumption. These measures support the university’s identity as a Conservation University and contribute to its broader sustainability agenda, particularly responsible consumption and production under Sustainable Development Goal 12.