Sodexo teams with Topanga and taps trace and trace tech to make US campus cafeterias more sustainable

Sodexo, a foodservice provider for campuses and universities across the US, has announced a partnership with Topanga.

This will see its campuses measure environmental impact, monitor daily participation, and track progress in reducing plastic usage by implementing reusable containers in cafeterias and retail venues operated by Sodexo.

"We are fully committed to advancing sustainability on campus and our partners must share this common goal in supporting Sodexo and the clients we serve,” says Director of Sustainability & CSR for Sodexo Campus, Kate Shearer.

“Through our collaboration with Topanga, we aim to ignite transformative changes by promoting small actions, such as transitioning to reusable containers, that will drive significant impacts over time. It is our goal to empower students to adopt sustainable practices in Sodexo led dining halls and Topanga will play a crucial role in achieving this ongoing aspiration.”

Sodexo campuses will soon introduce Topanga’s ReusePass, a reusable to go programme that employs track and trace technology.

For a campus that’s already adopted ReusePass, Saint Mary’s College of California operated by Sodexo’s Good Eating Company, key outcomes include a 97% return rate with 11 reuses per container so far.

The implementation of reusable containers has encouraged students to rethink their usage of chinaware.

“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Sodexo, a leader in both foodservice and sustainable practices for colleges and universities nationwide,” says Founder and CEO, Page Schult, Topanga.

“It’s a privilege to support Sodexo and its campus partners, and enhance their sustainability efforts by deploying effective, proven solutions, as demonstrated by our successful work with Sodexo at Saint Mary’s College of California.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Sustainable retail is a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which is now open for entries.

The awards, sponsored by CADS, 3D Cloud, Retail Technology Show 2025, and Business France, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.