Record 9 million plastic bags saved last year: NTUC FairPrice

SINGAPORE – NTUC FairPrice saved more than nine million plastic bags last year, making it the highest number of plastic bags saved since the launch of its FairPrice Green Rewards Scheme in 2007. The supermarket chain also gave out more than S$450,000 in rebates last year.

A spokesman said the number of plastic bags saved is derived by estimating from the amount of rebates given out yearly.

In a press release issued today (April 21), FairPrice said it has given out more than S$2.3 million in rebates to customers since 2007, which works out to savings of more than 46.5 million plastic bags.

Since launching the initiative - which urges shoppers to use less plastic bags - it has seen a 10 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of plastic bags saved at its stores, said FairPrice.

Mr Koh Kok Sin, Chairperson of the FairPrice Green Committee said: “We are encouraged that our customers recognise the call to care for the Earth, and share our commitment to save plastic bags and take on other sustainable initiatives. We will continue to work together with our stakeholders to build a green and eco-friendly Singapore.”

Mr Koh said they will continue to upgrade and make their stores as eco-friendly as possible, and will find ways to raise environmental consciousness among shoppers. To date, there are 60 stores with green features such as energy-saving equipment and lighting.

FairPrice also said it has donated S$12,500 to WWF this year in support of Earth Hour.

Correction: In an earlier version of this story, we misspelt Mr Koh's name. We have corrected it. We are sorry for the error.