Nurturing a recycling culture
Consumers believe that the top three solutions to raise awareness on how they can recycle or manage their waste better include educational campaigns (26.3%), improved recycling infrastructure (21.8%) and compulsory eco-labelling (21%).
Beyond consumer action, the report also includes upstream solutions for businesses to encourage the shift towards producing more environmentally friendly packaging and enabling more streamlined processes in waste disposal. Establishing criteria for ensuring that packaging is designed for reuse and materials used is reduced, along with eco-labelling certifications can bring material and cost savings for businesses. Innovations to support the circular economy, such as product-as-a-service or leasing models to reduce waste or the collection and proper treatment of used packaging may also be the solution to support Singapore’s zero-waste goal.
“In 2021, 532,000 tonnes, or 1.8 billion dollars’ 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. With seven in 10 consumers not having a full understanding of what materials can and cannot be recycled, consumer education will be paramount in addressing the issue. Our study also revealed that government initiatives will have to be complemented with deliberate corporate action and innovation in order to address waste management, and set Singapore on track to achieving sustainability in the packaging industry,” says Isabella Huang-Loh, Chairman, Singapore Environment Council.
“With over half a million tonnes of domestic packaging waste disposed in 2021, packaging waste remains a complex challenge in Singapore, and one that will require collaboration across multiple stakeholders to overcome,” Jen Teo, Executive Director, Singapore Environment Council, added. “Our study on packaging waste is in support of Singapore’s Zero Waste Masterplan and shift towards more sustainable production and consumption. By shedding light on consumer attitudes and behaviour, we hope to raise awareness and spur both businesses and consumers to reduce packaging waste.”
“With growing climate awareness in Singapore, consumers are now more conscious about the environmental impact created by packaging waste. Therein lies the opportunity to shift them towards more eco-friendly packaging to lower waste and minimise carbon footprint along the value chain. However, the high price of such packaging remains a deterrent for consumers who may be willing to make the switch. Over half of them surveyed in SEC's and KPMG's latest study cited price as their main purchase consideration. Hence, in the long term, achieving commercial viability and price parity with products of other materials will be key challenges for the industry. It may take collective industry effort to boost private and public education, even as supporting policies such as sustainability labelling are developed, alongside green innovations and cost sharing mechanisms,” said Cherine Fok, Director, Sustainability Services and KPMG IMPACT, KPMG in Singapore.
The report drew findings from two separate surveys that garnered over 1,015 responses. The demographic profile of respondents ranged from different household types, occupational statuses, ages, and income levels.
