(IMAGE CREDITS: Layla Roberts)
The Students’ Union has partnered with a Yorkshire-based company (Miniml) to provide refills of products, as well as replacing a large amount of single-use plastic bottles at the pantry.
The Sustainable Pantry, which provides access to free non-food items, such as baby formula and washing-up liquid, is available for all students. The Pantry was made as a result of the Cost of Living Crisis, which saw a rising number of students struggling to afford basic amenities.
In the 2024-25 academic year, it was accessed 747 times by 368 students. This has increased in the 2025-26 academic year, when it was accessed 868 times by 474 students between 21 September and 15 December.
It is clear that The Pantry is crucial for those students struggling with the cost of living away from home. Evidently, the Pantry is working smoothly with the increase in users, meaning it is well-advertised to those who need access. Due to this recent success, the Student Union now wants to make The Pantry sustainable.
By investing an additional £2000 per quarter, they are partnering with Miniml to provide the refills. Miniml’s factory is based in Yorkshire, therefore reducing the transport emissions; they also reuse the bottles used for the refills, so there is less going to landfill. Based on usage figures for The Pantry, the Student Union hopes this move will prevent over 200 plastic bottles per month ending in landfills.
Miniml have stated that “university life can be expensive, and access to everyday essentials like laundry and personal care products shouldn’t be something students have to worry about. By offering Miniml refillables through this free pantry, we hope to make those essentials easier to access while also helping students make more sustainable choices as part of everyday life.”