Life in plastic, it’s not fantastic: tackling single-use plastic consumption

FANS of Barbie may be looking forward to the franchise’s latest movie, but contrary to the iconic pop song, life in plastic is far from fantastic. According to Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA), plastic is one of the country’s top waste types, with roughly one billion kilograms discarded in 2022 alone. Beyond its immediate repercussions, plastic waste creates greater problems down the line for the environment and our health.

The food industry is a significant contributor to the problem. Food and drink packaging make up the largest share of the plastic polluting our oceans; experts estimate that 44 per cent of ocean plastic consists of plastic bags, bottles, food containers, cutlery and wrappers.

Single-use plastics are deeply entrenched in the industry’s operations, as packaging plays a crucial role in preserving the quality and safety of food products, preventing contamination, and extending shelf life.