The quantity of waste produced by packaging is an important one. For example, plastic packaging represents 26% of the total volume of plastics used (Ellen Mac Arthur Foundation).
Most of the time the use of pallets or cardboard as packaging is not well optimized and this results in an important amount of waste being created. Companies that aim to be more sustainable should tackle this issue and take action to reduce packaging waste and better manage it. It will also result in cost savings.
This part provides solutions that companies can put in place to reduce their packaging waste.
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There are 3 or 4 types of packaging: primary packaging, service packaging, secondary packaging & tertiary packaging. For each of them, challenges and strategy to implement are the same... Start with the packagings you use the most regularly, with the highest volume or with the highest cost.
REDESIGN:
For high-level guidance on the overall sustainability of different packaging materials, check out the free online WWF Alternative Material Tool
To design recyclable packaging for Singapore, work with the Packaging Recyclability Evaluation Portal (PREP) of Label for Recycling
REDUCE:
REUSE:
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The « sustainability journey » may feel overwhelming sometimes, but you are not alone.
Our Buddies have tried, succeeded, failed to implement change in their companies. They share their experience so you can learn, take shortcuts, get inspired and ask questions.
Everybody can become a Buddy and give back to the community; if you are keen, get in touch with us.
Founder and Director of the consulting business Zero Waste City, Rémi provides engineering consulting services to large commercial and industrial facilities on waste management, energy efficiency, and packaging design.
He has gained a strong experience as a consultant covering a wide range of industries and technologies in New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore.
He is a certified TRUE Advisor (Total Resource Use Efficiency) by the U.S. Green Building Council Inc. This certification recognised his knowledge in Zero Waste programs and his ability to support businesses to achieve the TRUE Zero Waste certification.
I'm a Director at KGS, a leading e-waste recycling company specializing in ITAD, e-waste recycling, data destruction, and battery recycling. My background is in Mechanical Engineering (BEng) and Management of Technology (MSc). I'm passionate about driving sustainability and helping others adopt more environmentally responsible practices. I believe in the power of technology and innovation to create a circular economy. I'm always looking for opportunities to connect with others who share this vision.
I have more than 20 years experience leading change and transformation in Europe, Africa and Asia. I have had the privilege of managing and contributing to diverse industries, organisation (Humanitarian and corporate) to secure engagement and impact. In my last role I worked in a large MNC supply chain environment engaging external partners to increase our impact in sustainability.
I am a Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) humanitarian and development professional who worked for more than 20 years in Indonesia for International NGOs and UNICEF. I founded my consultancy firm 7 years ago to support private sector to develop their strategy, engage stakeholders and implement in the field their sustainability projects/programs. I have a extensive network in Indonesia, from the local community/NGOs to several ministries. I am also GRI copywriter.
I'm a freelance facilitator and I provide training, advisory and policy advocacy services to businesses on sustainability, climate change, ESG, circular economy, and related topics. With 33 years of experience, I held roles in India as a CSO in the JSW Group, Principal Counsellor on Sustainability with India's apex industry body CII, and Manager - Sustainability with Procter & Gamble.
Among other achievements, I pioneered Asia’s 1st Sustainability Awards, organised all events at COP-8, created the India Business & Biodiversity Initiative, set up the green building movement in India and co-created the world’s 1st ESG index for emerging economies (S&P).
I have a PhD and MTech in Environmental Engineering (IIT Bombay), and MSc in Environmental Sciences (JNU).
With 9+ years of experience at Procter & Gamble, I am a leader with a proven track record of working with C-suite and upper management to create and execute sustainability strategies for multimillion-dollar & billion-dollar business. I have experience in cross-cultural collaboration with people in different countries, with internal as well as external (vendors, retailers, etc) partners.
I have been recognised for identifying projects, creating, and leading teams to execute and enable value creation while continuing to decarbonise.
I have certification in SCR (Sustainability and Climate Risk) and GRI standards. I studied my Masters in Conservation Biology.
Quentin has over 15 years experience in Responsible Value Chain. He started as a Sustainable material experts to slowly cover the entire Value chain and life cycle of products. In Singapore, Quentin worked for Accenture in Sustainable Value Chain Strategy. On the side, Quentin created LoSiam - Le Laboratoire Olfactif du Siam - and chairs now its board.
Over the past ten years, I have gradually developed my expertise to put my convictions into action, focusing my energy in increasing circularity.
I have been passionately involved in collaborating with private companies and public authorities to advance circular economy initiatives and implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Schemes. I played instrumental roles in developing and implementing strategic roadmaps to establish EPR schemes dedicated to industrial and commercial packaging in France. My motivation is to work among various stakeholders and to help shift an industry as a whole, and to re-invent economy with more re-use and more re-cycling.
I am French, recently arrived in Singapore after 14 years of international experience across Europe and Canada. I spent 14 years in the aeronautical industry before joining a start up offering reusable packaging for the Food & Beverage industry. Passionate by nature, I am always enthusiast to meet new people, share and learn also more.
I'm a Sustainability Consultant & Speaker, founder of Thought Partner Eco — an SME's partner in sustainability.
99% of businesses are made up of SMEs who could collectively make a huge impact in lowering the carbon footprint of the world’s economy. Yet, existing resources are more applicable to large corporations with large budgets, who have staff in sustainability roles to develop and execute on those initiatives. SMEs usually have neither. I fill this gap by providing relevant educational and strategic support at an affordable rate.
I've supported clients across industries — creative, tech, health care and fashion —on education, strategy and sustainability communications. Play-based learning workshops are available too.
Other than consulting, I'm an experienced speaker, workshop facilitator, and I have been featured in AsiaOne, CNA, The Straits Times, Eco Business and more.
Here are some topics I'm familiar with:
Feel free to reach out for a sustainability chat ☕️
I am Willoughby Niki Lee, a sustainability and technology advocate with a deep commitment to community development and digital trust-building. My journey spans roles in the private, public, and non-profit sectors, where I’ve combined my expertise in engineering and AI to create impactful social initiatives. As the founder of TinkerThings Global and a trainer with Singapore International Foundation, I work to bridge technology and community needs, focusing on projects that empower youth, seniors, and underserved groups. My goal is to leverage digital tools to foster inclusivity and resilience, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and promoting sustainable futures.
I am the founder of the purpose-led consultancy Impact Dragonfly. I work with businesses, institutions, and communities to engage with sustainability in a meaningful and practical way. This is done through tailored workshops, strategic coaching and collaborative design experiences, helping my clients connect sustainability with everyday decisions, long-term planning and positive impact.