NTUC FairPrice, a supermarket chain based in Singapore has reportedly declared the launch of a new initiative called ‘FairPrice Plastic Bag Management Programme’, that will drastically reduce the use of plastic bags. The programme was developed after a review conducted this year and apparently will be replacing the present ‘FairPrice Green Rewards Scheme.

Reportedly, in 2007 this scheme offered customers a refund of S$0.10 for bringing their own bags at FairPrice stores for shopping.

According to a press release FairPrice reported that it had saved almost 10.8 million plastic bags each year since the last three years after the introduction of the FairPrice Green Reward Scheme in 2007. Apparently, the company aims to save about 30 million plastic bags a year until 2030 via its new plastic bag management initiative.

Mr. Seah Kian Peng, NTUC FairPrice CEO stated that the company has supported the BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) initiative for more than a decade by pouring in capital worth S$4 million, in a bid to promote the use of fewer plastic bags.

Reports suggest the new FairPrice Plastic Bag Management Programme will adopt a four-pointer plan that will eventually reduce plastic bag utilization. Firstly, it plans to reassess internal operational processes and implement policies to reduce plastic bag usage in daily operations. The usage of bio-degradable bags will be encouraged next, followed by working with public and private organizations to conjointly implement education programs. Lastly, the initiative aims to pour in further capital to bolster the efforts for reducing plastic usage.

For the record, FairPrice is currently working with Nanyang Polytechnic students to design a new renewable plastic bag for public distribution.

According to Singapore Environment Council’s Executive Director, Ms. Jen Teo, the BYOB programme which started a decade ago has shown great results on reduction of plastic bags usage. SEC shall soon announce many new joint programs and is looking forward to working closely with NTUC FairPrice by further involving communities, schools, businesses, and individuals, she added.