With the Singapore government's active push for a circular economy and sustainable future, plans are in motion to reduce waste sent to landfills and promote recycling. For instance, recycling bins have been distributed to households, and initiatives like the extended producer responsibility for e-waste and beverage container return scheme have been introduced so products are gathered at the end of life for recycling.
When it comes to contributing to these green initiatives, one apparent way for consumers and business owners to start is to support the use of recyclable packaging, such as paper products. After all, paper is always recyclable and biodegradable, right?
Is Paper Recyclable?
The answer is both yes and no. While many paper packaging options are typically marketed as "eco-friendly" alternatives to plastic, they are often lined with the two main coatings as follows to make them waterproof:
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PLA: Some food packaging is coated with polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA), a compostable material derived from renewable biomass sources, such as corn, sugarcane, or sugar beet pulp. However, even though PLA is a more eco-friendly option than other plastics, it may still take centuries to fully degrade in the absence of optimal composting conditions.
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Latex: Another type of coating used in paper food packaging is latex, and not all latex linings are biodegradable.
Without making it to the industrial composter, such coating can be as destructive as any other plastic packaging in the environment or landfill. To truly embrace a green solution, supporting fully plastic-free food packaging alternatives is crucial. Such sustainable options include moulded pulp packaging, which uses natural fibrous pulp from sources like wheat straw to create biodegradable, recyclable and compostable packaging.
Alternatively, there are also other innovative packaging inventions in the market, such as Foopak Bio Natura by Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) Sinar Mas. A paperboard food packaging carefully engineered with multi-layer coatings, Foopak Bio Natura is entirely plastic-free. This means it is fully recyclable, home-compostable, and biodegradable, enabling businesses to obtain a packaging solution that aligns with their brand and consumers’ eco-conscious goals.
Reducing Carbon Footprint
Energy consumption is another vital aspect of sustainability to consider, and a way businesses and consumers can get started is to adopt renewable sources of energy. A creative case in point is Asia Pulp and Paper, which uses black liquor as a substitution for fossil fuels for its pulp mills. By preventing greenhouse gas emissions, black liquor serves as a greener source of energy.
Nonetheless, renewable energy solutions aren't the only path to sustainability. Businesses and consumers can also contribute to environmental efforts by adopting more traditional methods, such as implementing energy-efficient equipment. By doing so, companies can actively support sustainability efforts while enjoying long-term utilities cost savings.
On the commercial front, companies in Singapore also have a valuable opportunity to tap into the Energy Efficiency Grant, which offers substantial funding of up to S$30,000 per company. This grant covers the acquisition of various energy-efficient equipment, including LED lighting, air-conditioners, cooking hobs, refrigerators, water heaters, and dryers. By leveraging this opportunity, firms can enjoy further cost savings as they transition to sustainable operations.
Building a Greener Future Together
Paving the way to a greener future necessitates joint action from all stakeholders, including individuals, businesses, and the government. Together, through the conscientious choices of consumers and the dedication of companies like Asia Pulp & Paper, we can envision a future where prioritising environmental sustainability in daily life becomes second nature.