Introduction

In an impressive demonstration of corporate social responsibility, FairPrice and Sheng Siong supermarkets recently unveiled their inaugural report on the Disposable Carrier Bag Charge (DCBC), revealing that they have raised over S$2.26 million in plastic bag fees aimed at supporting significant social and environmental initiatives.

FairPrice's Sustainability Efforts

FairPrice Group, a pioneer in sustainability efforts, was the first local supermarket to introduce a plastic bag charge back in 2019, testing the concept at seven of its FairPrice and Cheers outlets. After witnessing considerable success, the initiative expanded dramatically by 2022, covering 178 Cheers and FairPrice Xpress locations as well as 11 larger supermarkets.

Government Support

"Reducing plastic waste is crucial, and our program has shown that when retailers implement a small fee for disposable bags, consumers are encouraged to adopt reusable alternatives," stated Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and Environment, during a parliamentary debate. The results speak volumes—FairPrice's 'No Plastic Bag' initiative has successfully saved over 30 million plastic bags in just two years, with a remarkable 70% of customers now choosing to bring their own bags.

Launch of DCBC

The DCBC was formally launched on July 3, 2023, under the Resource Sustainability Act 2019, requiring major supermarkets with annual revenues exceeding S$100 million to charge at least five cents for each disposable bag issued, primarily impacting plastic bags.

Financial Contributions

From July to December 2023, NTUC FairPrice distributed an astounding 33,630,364 plastic bags and Cheers issued 58,049 bags, resulting in a DCBC fee collection of S$1,684,420.65. After accounting for S$124,771.90 in Goods and Services Tax (GST), both supermarkets directed significant donations to the FairPrice Foundation, contributing S$1,000,000 and S$2,687.45 respectively. Additionally, NTUC FairPrice allocated S$556,961.30 to various sustainability initiatives.

Beneficiaries of Donations

Beneficiaries of these donations include notable organizations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (Singapore), which received S$204,312.65, and Zero Waste SG, which got S$60,000. Furthermore, FairPrice is promoting affordable and clean energy by investing S$292,648.65 in Lim Kim Hai Electric Co. to develop rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, aimed at overcoming conversion barriers for commercial fleets.

Sheng Siong's Contributions

Meanwhile, the Sheng Siong Group reported on December 27, stating a total revenue of S$760,106.45 from 15,202,129 disposable bags issued across its supermarkets. Their contributions included donations of S$703,802.27 to the President’s Challenge and S$56,304.18 towards GST payments.

Other Retailers and Future Steps

In addition to FairPrice and Sheng Siong, other major players required to implement the DCBC include Cold Storage, Ang Mo Supermarket, Prime Supermarket, and more, all working towards a greener future. Notably, Don Don Donki, a popular Japanese retailer, has taken eco-friendliness a step further by eliminating plastic bag sales entirely in its Singapore locations starting October 2023!

Conclusion

This initiative not only underscores the commitment of major retailers to environmental sustainability but also highlights the community's role in embracing more responsible consumption practices. Are you ready to join the movement and reduce plastic waste?