The new programme is in partnership with local start-up Muuse and aims to help reduce single-use waste
According to a 2023 study titled Life Cycle Assessment of Plastic Waste End-of-life Treatments in Singapore, plastic is one of Singapore’s major waste streams, with about 900,000 tonnes of plastic waste being disposed of each year. The study also highlights that in 2019 and 2020, plastic waste had one of the lowest recycling rates at 4 per cent, compared to other waste streams including metal and paper.
Over the years, companies and malls have been incorporating new initiatives to help reduce waste—one of them being Ion Orchard. From its 2021 Green Points campaign to its 2022 Love Our World campaign, Ion Orchard has been on an ongoing journey to integrate sustainability within the mall.
In efforts to continue incorporating sustainable practices into the mall, Ion Orchard has launched Sustainable Takeaway, a pilot programme with the aim of reducing single-use waste. The first shopping mall in Singapore to introduce such a programme, the initiative will run from now until September 30.
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Under this programme, shoppers will be able to enjoy their meals in reusable cups and food containers. All you need to do is scan a unique serialised QR code at the various participating coffee and tea tenants. Enjoy your food and beverages as you go about your day and return them within 30 days to avoid a penalty charge. These reusable cups and containers will be professionally cleaned and ready for someone else to use. Some participating tenants include Food Opera, Common Man Coffee Roasters, Plain Vanilla, Starbucks, Toast Box and The 1827 Clipper Tea Co.
The latest programme is in partnership with Muuse, a local startup that has created a shared reusable container system. Its reusable cups and containers have unique QR codes attached to them, allowing the brand to track each item’s impact and usability as it circulates the mall.
