Launched in 2007, the Singapore Packaging Agreement (SPA) is a voluntary joint initiative by the government, industry, and NGOs to reduce packaging waste at its source. Its goal is to encourage businesses to take responsibility for packaging design, production, and disposal through innovation, collaboration, and consumer awareness.

Packaging makes up about one-third of household waste in Singapore, a major contributor to incineration loads and landfill volume. The SPA helps companies voluntarily align with Singapore’s Zero Waste Masterplan and positions them ahead of tightening sustainability regulations.

Over the years, the SPA has reduced over 54,000 tonnes of packaging waste, encouraged eco-friendly packaging design, and strengthened public awareness on responsible consumption. In furtherance of this, the National Environment Agency (NEA) introduced mandatory packaging reporting in 2020 for supermarkets and producers of packaged products. NEA is also working on implementing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for managing packaging waste no later than 2025.

Why it matters for businesses:

●      Regulatory readiness: The SPA paved the way for Singapore’s Mandatory Packaging Reporting (MPR) and future Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, which will continue expanding in scope. Companies that adopt early sustainability measures gain a head start in compliance and readiness.

●      Supply chain accountability: Even if manufacturing occurs outside Singapore, brands selling into the local market will face growing expectations from both regulators and consumers to align with national sustainability goals.

●      Corporate credibility: Participating in voluntary sustainability efforts signals leadership and responsibility, which are key factors for partnerships, funding, and brand loyalty.

Notwithstanding the above, it is important to note that many global and regional companies manufacture most of their products overseas and are not directly regulated under Singapore’s packaging frameworks, since the production facilities are located outside the country. This regulatory gap means that, while they operate in the Singapore market, their packaging practices may not be subject to local oversight, limiting the effectiveness of national waste-reduction efforts.

To Ecorigin, this is a great collaborative opportunity that can help businesses to transition into sustainable manufacturing. With facilities in Thailand and Johor Bahru, Ecorigin can produce products closer to Singapore, enabling alignment with local sustainability standards even if the production is technically cross-border. By being regionally proximate, we can adapt manufacturing and logistics practices to support your company’s waste-reduction and packaging circularity goals. We also work with clients around the world to deliver tailored eco-packaging solutions that meet different regulatory expectations, bridging policy gaps. Together, we can develop eco-friendly and compostable packaging that reduces waste without compromising performance. 

Partner with Ecorigin to align your packaging strategy with Singapore’s sustainability goals. Together, we can rethink packaging for a zero-waste future.