More Companies Adopt 3R Initiatives in Singapore as Waste Management Industry Explore Ways to Raise Productivity [Press Release]

More Companies Adopt 3R Initiatives in Singapore as Waste Management Industry Explore Ways to Raise Productivity Singapore, 2 July 2013 – Since the first Singapore Packaging Agreement inked in 2007, signatories have reduced a cumulative total of 14,900 tons of packaging waste, saving an equivalent of about $31 million to date. Today, 16 companies were recognised for their efforts and achievements in reducing packaging waste at the 3R Packaging Awards. The awards were presented by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, at the sidelines of Waste Management Symposium 2013, held at Max Atria at the Singapore Expo (see Annex A for list of winners). 2 The Singapore Packaging Agreement (SPA) provides a platform and structure for industries to reduce packaging waste from product packaging, and to raise awareness and educate consumers on the benefits of reducing packaging waste. Following its successful run from 2007 to 2012, signatories were keen to renew their commitment. 3 As a result, the second SPA commenced on 1 July 2012. The companies who signed the SPA will work together to achieve a total annual reduction of 6,500 tons of packaging waste by 2015. As of June 2013, the total annual amount of packaging waste reduced was about 4,800 tons. The participating companies achieved these results through various initiatives, such as reducing the size and thickness of their product packaging, switching to reusable packaging in logistical processes, or changing the way products are packaged. 4 Among the distinction award recipients was ST Aerospace Engineering Pte Ltd. The first-time winner converted from using chemical foam to pack aircraft equipment, to a more environmentally-friendly and safer alternative by re-using packaging materials from the import of goods from overseas suppliers, together with other used materials such as shredded paper and old newspapers. Waste Management Symposium 2013 6 Local and international experts from the waste management industry gathered at the Symposium to discuss market opportunities in the region and technology solutions to raise productivity of the waste management sector in Singapore. Distinguished speakers included International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) President, Mr David Newman; Ir. Sri Bebassari, Msi., Chairman, Indonesia Solid Waste Association; and Mr Ho De Leong, Chairman, Waste Management Association of Malaysia. 7 “The Symposium was organised as part of CleanEnviro Summit Singapore<1> and WasteMET Asia<2> to allow the industry to come together to interact with market leaders who will share their views and experiences in waste management. There is much for our local industry to learn in terms of technology and best practices, so the Waste Management and Recycling Association of Singapore (WMRAS) is pleased to have partnered the National Environment Agency (NEA) and ISWA for this Symposium to raise productivity and standards of the industry,” said Mr Jerome Baco, Chairman, WMRAS. Raising Productivity of the Local Waste Management Industry 8 NEA has been working closely with WMRAS to raise standards and improve productivity of Singapore’s waste management industry. Three workgroups, co-chaired by NEA and WMRAS, have been formed since November 2012 to look at new standards, training and technology enhancements for the sector. Mr Ronnie Tay, NEA’s Chief Executive Officer, says, “By raising standards and productivity of the waste industry, we hope to also address challenges, such as scarcity of land and manpower, as well as the need to conserve resources to achieve environmental sustainability.” 9 Mr Wong Hong Kuan, Chief Executive of the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) which is supporting the Waste Management Symposium 2013, said: “WDA, in partnership with NEA and WMRAS, has rolled out a suite of waste management training courses under the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) system. The WSQ training is based on national standards and is designed to elevate the industry’s service standards and productivity by equipping the workforce with relevant skills and knowledge. To date, more than 1,000 workers from the waste management industry have completed the WSQ training. WDA will continue to work closely with the industry to further develop its manpower capabilities and to professionalise the workforce.” <1> The CleanEnviro Summit Singapore provides a global platform for government and industry leaders to discover practical solutions to address environmental challenges. Visit www.cleanenvirosummit.sg for more information. <2> WasteMET Asia is the region's premium exhibition to showcase the latest equipment and technologies in waste management, recycling and resource recovery solutions. Visit www.wastemetasia.com.sg for more information. Annex A: Winners of the 3R Packaging Awards for 2013 Platinum Award:

1. Nestlé Singapore (Pte) Ltd

2. Tetra Pak Jurong Pte Ltd Gold Award:

3. Asia Pacific Breweries (Singapore) Pte Ltd

4. CROWN Beverage Cans Singapore Pte Ltd

5. Greenpac (S) Pte Ltd

6. Ha Li Fa Pte Ltd

7. Starlite Printers (Far East) Pte Ltd

8. Subway Singapore Development Pte Ltd

9. Sunfresh Singapore Pte Ltd

10. Winrigo (S) Pte Ltd

11. Wyeth Nutritionals (Singapore) Pte Ltd Distinction Award:

12. Nestlé Singapore (Pte) Ltd

13. ST Aerospace Engineering Pte Ltd

14. Tetra Pak Jurong Pte Ltd Merit Award:

15. Asia Pacific Breweries (Singapore) Pte Ltd

16. Chee Seng Oil Factory Pte Ltd

17. CROWN Beverage Cans Singapore Pte Ltd

18. Greenpac (S) Pte Ltd

19. Ha Li Fa Pte Ltd

20. LHT Holdings Ltd

21. Seagate Technology International

22. Starlite Printers (Far East) Pte Ltd

23. Subway Singapore Development Pte Ltd

24. Sunfresh Singapore Pte Ltd

25. Toshiba TEC Singapore Pte Ltd

26. Winrigo (S) Pte Ltd

27. Wyeth Nutritionals (Singapore) Pte LtdSource: NEA