Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps his Department has taken to reduce its use of single-use plastics.

Interserve (our Facilities Management Contractor) have taken an active stance in reducing our impact on the environment, through their SustainAbilities programme. As a result, they have implemented a number of supply chain and contract specific initiatives to tackle waste, and impact on the environment.

Together with Interserve we have taken a number of visible actions across our catering operations, for example the use of Vegware coffee cups which are compostable.

Additionally, we are reviewing the benefits of switching plastic cutlery and take away plastic containers with a Vegware alternative, swapping out plastic water cups for glasses, and have implemented dispensers for condiments to replace single use sachets in our restaurant.

Beyond this Interserve are assessing our wider operations to determine where we can reduce avoidable plastic waste, and swap with more sustainable solutions where appropriate.