NTUC FairPrice announced on 23 July 2018 that it had introduced a holistic framework to further reduce the use of plastic bags.
The ‘FairPrice Plastic Bag Management Programme’ (FPBMP) targets to reduce 30 million plastic bags per annum by 2030. Last year, over 11.5 million plastic bags were reduced.
NTUC FairPrice CEO Seah Kian Peng said: “We will continue to drive this national initiative and focus on a holistic and scalable framework that aims to address the wider impact of plastic bag use on the environment, while taking into consideration customer needs and habits.
“Through this renewed commitment, we look to galvanise the community, industry partners, interest groups and government agencies to create a greater collective impact in protecting our environment.”
The programme features a new four-pronged approach: internal processes, education, partnerships and donations.
FPBMP will replace the existing FairPrice Green Rewards scheme by August 2018 at all FairPrice outlets.
This announcement comes after a review earlier this year of the existing scheme, which offers customers a 10-cent rebate when they bring their own bags to shop at FairPrice stores.
Holistic Approach
First, FairPrice will review internal processes, policies and practices to trim plastic packaging in operations. The social enterprise will also enhance environmentally friendly bagging practices for its cashiers.
Second, FairPrice will launch public education programmes to get shoppers to reduce the use of plastic bags and embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle.
This will involve working with both governmental and non-governmental organisations to jointly produce and implement education efforts.
FairPrice will also support an upcoming public education campaign called Zero Waste SG in the fourth quarter of this year to raise awareness to ‘bring-your-own-bag’.
The third involves partnerships. FairPrice will increase investment and continue to support efforts to reduce plastic bag use.
FairPrice is currently working with Nanyang Polytechnic students to design a reusable bag for public distribution. FairPrice will also work with suppliers and manufacturers to explore better packaging design and material.
Fourth, FairPrice will make donations to organisations that promote sustainable practices locally.
FairPrice has committed $50,000 to the Singapore Environment Council and Zero Waste SG to support their sustainability efforts, and donations will be reviewed annually.
