New Report Highlights Need for Better Education and Sustainable Solutions
A recent report by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) revealed that many Singaporeans believe numerous products come with excessive packaging and are open to purchasing items with more sustainable alternatives. On August 2, SEC launched the report titled “Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Packaging in Singapore,” which seeks to provide insights into current consumer attitudes toward packaging and packaging waste.
The report emphasizes the pressing need for businesses to investigate more sustainable packaging options while enhancing consumer education to improve awareness of local recycling capabilities. The study surveyed 1,116 respondents through two surveys conducted from June to August 2021, highlighting a significant lack of public knowledge regarding proper recycling practices.
Approximately 17% of participants mistakenly believed that Styrofoam containers were recyclable, while only 36% and 45% recognized bubble wrap and plastic envelopes as recyclable materials, respectively. Furthermore, 78% of respondents admitted they could not determine the recyclability of specific items based on the information provided on the packaging.
The SEC noted that Singapore produced 6.94 million tonnes of solid waste in 2021, equivalent to the emissions generated by a dumpster truck circling the Earth 352 times. The main obstacles hindering recycling efforts include the effort required to wash and clean recyclables (23%), uncertainty about which items can be recycled (21%), and the inconvenience of transporting recyclables to recycling bins (15%).
Despite these challenges, an impressive 80% of respondents expressed willingness to engage in a take-back scheme if collection points were conveniently located. The study also highlighted that overpackaging is a significant concern, with 70% of respondents believing that there should be a reduction in packaging materials for most products.
Regarding sustainable packaging options, 95% of participants indicated they would be more likely to buy products with eco-friendly packaging. However, 53% stated they would only consider such products if they were not priced higher than their conventional counterparts.
“With over half a million tonnes of domestic packaging waste disposed of in 2021, packaging waste remains a complex issue in Singapore that will necessitate collaboration among various stakeholders to address,” stated SEC Executive Director Jen Teo. “By illuminating consumer attitudes and behaviors, we aim to raise awareness and encourage both businesses and consumers to take action in reducing packaging waste.”
