WWF-Singapore has launched a pilot under its Pact (Plastic Action) movement to help reduce e-commerce packaging waste in the country.
In partnership with SingPost, UOB, and Better Packaging, the pilot aims to facilitate the concept of reusable e-commerce packaging to foster a circular economy.
According to a study, an estimated 200,000 parcels are delivered across the country every single day, and this number is projected to grow by almost 50 per cent in the next five years. Furthermore, Singaporeans want more action against climate change, with four out of five saying they care about the environment, and a third (32 per cent), claim they would make most purchasing decisions based on product sustainability and environmental impact.
The Pact packaging pilot initiative will see retailers such as Davines, Cloversoft, Outfit, Herbal Pharm, Rusby and Co, Retykle, Unpackt, Thryft, Vintage Sports, and WWF-Singapore merchandise explore a more circular approach to packaging.
From this month until September, Singaporeans can opt in for reusable packaging from any participating retailers. Customers can return it directly to the courier, through physical stores, or any Singpost mailboxes.
According to the initiative, data gathered from this pilot, such as opt-in rates, return rates, and time taken to return packaging, will help build knowledge and consumer behaviour, vital for scaling the pilot industry-wide.
“As Singapore’s key last-mile delivery service provider, we are acutely aware of the amount of packaging that comes with every item we deliver,” shares Neo Su Yin, CEO, Singpost.
“We encourage everyone to play a part and actively drop off the reusable packaging they receive at posting box islandwide.”
