MARKETING-INTERACTIVE’s Post

This is ... a 1970s approach to a problem that's been ballooning ever since. It's quite an interesting ( material sciences + public policy ) problem ... how could the use of (i) plastics in (ii) food and beverage packaging (iii) be zero-ed (iv) for a geographical region (v) quickly (vi) in one abstract step?

As someone deeply invested in property management and client satisfaction, I view Hong Kong’s plastic ban as pivotal. As a pioneer in #sustainable real estate, we're proactively adapting our practices at ARTHALAND to stay ahead of industry trends while remaining true to our mission. HK’s ban targeting single-use plastics like straws and utensils, echoes the challenges we encounter in the Philippines, where local government units (LGUs) have varied approaches to similar issues. It’s helpful seeing how other Asian countries are dealing with issues in sustainable development. It allows me to understand what could possibly happen next, and how we might be able to deal with the situation. For example, customer feedback from Hong Kong highlights concerns about the increased costs and inconvenience of eco-friendly alternatives. To address these issues, exploring options like bulk purchasing of sustainable supplies and adding on-site cleaning stations could enhance convenience and affordability. These steps aim to reduce inconvenience and maintain affordability for tenants, lessees, and clients. By staying proactive and responsive to global sustainability trends, we continue to improve ourselves and hope to meet regulatory demands while enhancing client satisfaction and maintaining our pioneering reputation. #HongKong #SingleUsePlastic #PlasticBan

Since the implementation of the 5-cent charge on disposable carrier bags last July, large supermarket operators have witnessed a 50 to 80% drop in plastic bag usage. This is in line with the government’s goal to reduce plastic waste and encourage more eco-friendly practices among Singaporeans. "We hope that the adoption of such sustainable habits will lead to wider behavioural change," said Minister of Sustainability and Environment Grace Fu, who acknowledged the success of the initiative while sharing that proceeds from the bag charge would likely go towards supporting environmental and social causes. Prior to the charge, a 2018 study by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) revealed that consumers take about 820 million plastic bags from supermarkets each year. With two-thirds of supermarket operators now enforcing the mandatory charge, the reduction in single-use plastic is expected to increase even more. Read more about it: https://lnkd.in/dGfRhvSY Together, let’s embark on a #VoyageToProsperity towards a sustainable nation for our next generation. And beyond. #Geneco #GenecoSG #PlasticWaste #SGGreenPlan #TowardsZeroWaste #SayYesToWasteLess

When will we see real action here- we do not need a #strongsignal, we need #signedlongtermcontracts that result in #investment in #processing facilities and #buyback of #Australian #recycled #products. We also need a #systemwide #scheme that addresses #softplastics in the #commercial business stream - I for one, am not taking my #softplastics home every time I go to a #hotel, #cafe, #hospital, etc... And last of all its not a #contribution but a fully funded #productstewardshipscheme that is required across the entire supply chain. So ... we need #markets to actually exist, and #facilities to #process built at #scale, with #financial commitments made (and signed).... #showmethesignedcontract #packaging #realEPR #headbang

It's disappointing to see further delays in Singapore's polluter-pays scheme, especially amidst concerns over industry stalling tactics. However, Singapore's progressive culture gives hope for a positive outcome once the policy is implemented. If successful, it could serve as a role model for neighboring countries seeking to address environmental challenges effectively. Nevertheless, I'm left wondering: Do we let the beverage manufacturers take responsibility, where although the problem is in their hands they have an opportunity to delay and fines may be ineffective? Or is there an opportunity for grassroots community-based support? https://lnkd.in/dPti7AuX #PolluterPays #EnvironmentalPolicy #Sustainability #CommunityEngagement #ESG #Singapore #Recycling #OceanMaterial

Would you drink from a paper bottle this summer? A while ago I wrote a post about Carlsberg Group's progress in emission reduction through their supply chain, an interesting concept they introduced was a fibre bottle made from plant-based materials. It looks like this new direction for sustainability in packaging could be around to stay. Diageo are trialing a fibre bottle, made from 90% paper, for their Baileys miniatures at Time Out Festival this summer. These bottles promise to be better for the planet as they're fully recyclable & lighter than glass or hard plastic alternatives, meaning there's additional emission reductions through associated transportation. It'll be interesting to see if this trend continues, will we all be drinking from paper bottles during the 2044 Euros? Hard to say, but it's definitely a viable option for sustainability efforts in our industry. What do you think? (https://lnkd.in/eSRTcaMc Sarah Neish's article in The Drinks Business)

What can the plastics industry learn from a small sari-sari convenience store in the Philippines?    In San Juan and Quezon City in the Philippines, the implementation of refill schemes at these convenience stores has led to a 15% increase in profits for store owners and up to 201% savings for consumers. Though facilitated by the Quezon City government, individual storeowners and consumers have spearheaded this popular change.    "This is a business model that is a win-win solution for everybody." Retailers profit more, consumers can save up. But most importantly, conducting business this way does not harm the environment"   💡 Systemic change comes from radical new forms of collaboration: in this case, a combination of bottom-up community led solutions paired with strong leadership initiatives. Done right, a just transition to a circular plastics economy will be a win-win for everybody involved.   Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gqrSD5VA

Larger global corporations such as Unilever, Nestle, Pepsico, Marico and Amazon are attempting to innovate and gear themselves towards reducing plastic usage. Click on the link below to learn how.... Amazon I Unilever I PepsiCo I Marico Limited I Nestlé #amazon #pepsico #plasticusage #reduceplastic #unilever #nestle #marico #retailnews #retailtrends #retailsector #retailindustry #retailing #retailresults #retailupdates #businessnews #retailgrowth #retailindia #retailsectornews #retailresults #retailtrends #retailbusiness #ir #IndiaRetailing

Good to see some radical steps in this space: “...expected to result in 88 per cent less carbon emissions from premium spirits packaging and distribution and a 99 per cent reduction in glass waste.” #fmcgpackaging #packaging #circulareconomy #sustainability #pernodricard #ecospirits

It’s always good to see the green movement in the F&B industry growing momentum. A prime example is the Invisible Bag, a testament to the evolving consciousness around sustainable practices. Crafted by Hong Kong-based startup Distinctive Action, this water-soluble, compostable, and biodegradable bag represents a significant stride in tackling plastic waste. As Singapore continues to make its own strides in sustainability, solutions like these will gain even more significance. In our city, where the F&B sector is vibrant and constantly growing, embracing such innovations is not just a choice but a responsibility. While the Invisible Bag currently caters to dry goods, its potential for broader application in the F&B sector continues to grow. Already, the founders have plans to accommodate wet goods in the future. “We’re currently working on a hydrophobic, oleophobic food packaging coating to be compostable, biodegradable, recyclable, and plastic-free, and doesn’t contain any PFAS. It would act as a substitute to the current plastic coating, which contains PFAS and fluorine,” Devana Ng, co-founder of the Invisible Bag. As someone passionate about sustainability, it’s heartening to see innovations such as these gaining ground. The Invisible Bag has already replaced over 600,000 plastic bags and is working with 800 brands worldwide. It’s a reminder that our journey towards a more sustainable F&B industry in Singapore and the world over is not just possible but is getting incrementally closer. Let’s continue to champion and support these green breakthroughs. Have any sustainable innovations caught your eye recently? And if you’re looking to bring more eco-friendly solutions to your foodservice business, check out our website below. We’re ready to bring sustainability to your table. https://lnkd.in/gr_TrxHv #Singapore #Sustainability #EcoInnovation #FandBIndustry #Welbilt