Mott MacDonald removes 65% of most-used plastics from its operations

Mott MacDonald has published its first ever single-use plastics (SUP) report, highlighting the progress made towards removing SUP from its operations.

In 2021, the firm announced ambitious plans to remove all SUP from its European business by the end of 2022, where there exists a viable alternative. For its entire global business, the firm committed to removing all SUP by 2024.

Mott MacDonald established a global plastics working group with five core objectives: to reduce the plastic used, optimise the use and re-use of plastic, educate staff about SUP, assess plastics procured and seek alternatives, and promote the firm’s expertise to develop tools and solutions. In recognition of the work done, in 2021 the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management presented the firm with a Best Practice Award.

Over the last year, the working group surveyed more than 900 staff members on their personal SUP use and completed an audit of 136 offices around the world to understand the plastics being procured in order to source alternatives.

Achievements so far include the removal of all plastic cups, plates and cutlery in the UK, and working with suppliers to replace all plastic printer paper wrapping in Europe. In America, 84% of straws have been removed, while in Abu Dhabi and Dubai more than 4500 five-gallon water bottles were replaced by installing water dispensers.

In total, the top ten most used SUP in the business have so far been reduced by 65%.

“We’re really proud of the work we are doing to remove single-use plastics from our operations,” said Sally Sudworth, global head of sustainability and climate change at Mott MacDonald. “Plastic waste is a global problem and alongside our innovative work in helping clients remove plastics from the environment, we are determined to lead the way in our own industry too.”

Download the full report here.