The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Singapore released its PACT (Plastic Action) Impact report on the progress of local companies and industries towards reducing their use of plastics and towards a circular economy. In the past year, 12 million pieces of plastic packaging and items have been reduced by members from PACT. Key industries have also taken collective action to eliminate plastic use on a large scale.
Launched in 2018, PACT (Plastic ACTion), PACT provides businesses with guidance and resources to help reduce their plastic consumption. To date, 22 companies have signed individual commitments and have set the standard for a meaningful plastic action, paving the way to lead their peers towards a circular economy and contributing to Singapore’s zero waste masterplan for plastics in their industries.
Said Mr Kim Stengert, Chief, Strategic Communication and External Relations, WWF-Singapore, “Through extensive commitments, research and pilots, we are glad to see how PACT has helped companies overcome their challenges and reduce their overall plastics use significantly. WWF-Singapore provides guidance to companies and assists to conduct pilot testing for new solutions. In addition, we gather industry peers to share their experiences, best practices, brainstorm and test plastic reduction solutions for their business models. Going forward, we hope to see more businesses coming onboard PACT to create a systemic change for the future.”
Through PACT, WWF-Singapore works with companies spanning five key industries — e-commerce, food and beverage, hospitality, manufacturing and retail property management. By taking a collaborative and industry-led approach, PACT commitments are comprehensive plans with time-bound goals aimed at reducing the use of plastics.
In the hospitality sector, Grand Hyatt Singapore’s PACT commitment includes eliminating plastic packaging across all 677 guest rooms, F&B services and meeting venues. To date, the hospitality giant saved a range of items including 120,000 cotton buds and 130,000 pieces of bin liners. Said Sebastian Kern, Director of Food and Beverage, Grand Hyatt Singapore, “Most importantly, we must not get too caught up in prioritizing short-term gains when moving towards a sustainable future, but to look at the long-term benefits — both financial and non-financial.”
Cloversoft — a homegrown manufacturing company has committed to reducing plastic packaging in their manufactured goods. This includes increasing the amount of recycled content in their packaging and products, seeking alternatives and eliminating bulk packaging bundles. “It’s not always about one person making waves, but the ripple effect of multiple individuals that will enact the biggest change.” added Lynn Yeo, Co-founder of Cloversoft.