Unlocking Sustainable Packaging Opportunities in Singapore

Today, world attention is turning towards sustainable packaging. Governments are taking initiatives to manage wastes. In Singapore, waste generation has increased six-fold over the past 40 years reaching a total of 5.88 million tonnes in 2020. Waste data in 2018 shows that packaging waste made up one-third of disposal – of which, 55% is plastic waste, 25% is paper waste and 20% is other materials like glass and metal. The Singapore Environment Council (SEC) found that, in 2021, the country generated a total of 6.94 million tonnes of solid waste.  Today, the country is moving towards a sustainable future.

The nation cannot achieve net zero goals without catering packaging waste.  That’s why; packaging waste has been recognized as a key priority in Singapore's efforts to close the loop and achieve its vision of becoming a Zero Waste Nation. Notably, despite the significant amount of plastic waste produced, the plastic recycling rate has remained stagnant at just 4% in recent years. “In 2021, 523,000 tonnes, or S$1.8 billion worth, of domestic packaging waste was thrown out in Singapore. As Singapore moves towards a net-zero future, packaging waste will be one of Singapore’s top waste streams of concern,” said SEC chairman Isabella Huang-Loh.

This blog post aims to unlock sustainable packaging opportunities in Singapore. Let’s dive into this study without further ado. 

Singapore Green Plan 2030:

Under Singapore Green Plan 2030, country aims to reduce waste and increase recycling. Companies that align with these goals can access government support via various initiatives like Zero Waste Master Plan and the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) framework. Brands can collaborate with National Environment Agency (NEA) for sustainable packaging solutions. 

Trending Sustainable Materials:

In Singapore, consumers demand for eco-friendly packaging. That’s why; trend of environmental friendly packaging materials is emerging to balance sustainability.  These materials include:

• Biodegradable Plastics
• Compostable options: Bagasse, PLA (polylactic acid), and PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) for Food and beverages and retail sectors.
• Recyclable materials ( FSC certified paper, Aluminum)
• Use of alternative materials like bamboo, hemp, seaweed etc.
• Minimal designs to reduce waste
• Light-weight material to reduce carbon emission during shipping 

Choose Smart Packaging:

Integration of technology in packaging is another way to unveil sustainable packaging opportunity in Singapore. Smart packaging elevates sustainability while offers brands chance to build lasting connection with their clients. Brands can print packaging with barcodes, NFC tags and recycling instructions to increase user’s experience.  Besides, you can add temperature sensors to track the shelf life of perishable goods like food or beverages. Additionally, you can add tracks on packaging sharing the life cycle of packaging materials to increase customer’s trust. 

Implementation of Circular Economy Practice:

Adopting circular economy helps the reduction of dependency on virgin resources and minimizes waste.  Additionally, the objective of circular economy is to improve resource productivity and ensure a more competitive economy by creating new green industries and jobs. When economy continues to grow, people consume more resources that results in generating more waste requiring adequate disposable methods. It assists in striking a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability. So businesses can design packaging for recycle or reuse. 

Educating Consumers:

Consumer’s awareness is another essential step to enhance sustainable opportunities in Singapore. Eco-friendly branding is an excellent way to attract eco-conscious consumers. Further, brands can add clear instructions or labels regarding recyclability.

Regulatory Frameworks:

Next, companies can ensure packaging compliance with Singapore’s regulatory instructions like Mandatory Packaging Report (MPR) and various others to maintain their brand’s credibility and avoid penalties or fines. To achieve it, you can submit annual packaging reports to meet requirements of institutions. 

Investment in Innovative Technologies:

Today, innovation and technologies have brought revolution in every sphere of life. Investment in modern technology can be a helpful factor to promote green. 

Local Government Programs:

Singaporean’s government has been at front to promote a sustainable environment through strict regulations and policies. The few of government’s plan are as follows:

1. Mandatory Packaging Program (MPP
2. Extended Producer’s Responsibility (EPR)
3. Packaging Partnership Program (PPP)
4. 3R Fund (Reduce, reuse and recycle)

Build Strategic Partnership with Institutions:

Next, brands can build a connection with sustainable material providers and recycling companies to integrate with sustainability frameworks. Further, you can collaborate with NGOs to create awareness among audiences. 

Singapore: Ultimate Hot Spot of Innovation

Singapore’s strategic location makes it an ultimate hub for delivering sustainable packaging solution in Southeast Asia. Companies can benefit from this position to accelerate operations.

Challenges:

Without any doubt, there are multifold opportunities to unveil sustainable packaging potential of Singapore.  We are aware with this fact that there are always two aspects of same issue. Here are key challenges impeding the growth of Singapore as becoming center hub of green revolution. Let’s have a look at them:

• Low recycling percentage
• Lack of infrastructure and import bans on waste
• Highest rates of eco-friendly alternatives
• Lack of public awareness and education
• Limitations of supply chains
• Insufficient incentives for businesses
• Limited penalties on for non-complianc
• Over-reliance on single use packaging
• Public resistance to change
• Absence of standardization

How to Overcome these Challenges?

There is not any problem which exists without any solution. To address these rooted barriers, collaborative efforts are need of the hour. Singapore can tackle these issues with the government support, consumer’s positive attitude and technological advancement to bolster the change towards sustainable packaging options.

In A Nutshell:

We can conclude the study on sustainable packaging opportunities in Singapore on the following note:

• Focus on government sustainability frameworks
• Innovation in materials, designs and innovative technology
• Collaboration between of consumers and stakeholders

We are hopeful that business can meet the Singapore vision zero of society by taking into account the mentioned opportunities. However, there are always two sides of coins, these strategies are facing plethora of challenges that need to be tackled immediately.