Together with KFC, TRIA — a Singapore-based packaging company — has launched the world’s first pilot for single-use packaging. The pilot was the combined effort both local and overseas players —besides TRIA and KFC, and Enterprise SG, who served as a facilitator for this initiative, the project brought in Norwegian fertiliser specialists at Yara International.
With this pilot, TRIA aims to provide an operational blueprint that will facilitate a better and more effective execution of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system. The EPR approach focuses on producers bearing “the responsibility for the collection and treatment of their products when they reach end-of-life”; it is implemented through the Resource Sustainability Act, as administered by Singapore’s National Environmental Agency (NEA).
“I am very pleased to see this pilot launched, and I am grateful for KFC’s trust and commitment to this journey with TRIA. This closed-loop system is the first of its kind. The pilot is a collation of strategic stakeholders along the value chain, who demonstrates commitment and custodianship to close the loop. Such ownership is imperative in driving circular food systems because we know that circularity cannot be done in isolation. I hope our pilot further inspires others to think beyond the usual perimeters to overcome the challenges of sustainability. And we welcome other stakeholders to join us in shaping the future of circular food systems,” said Ng Pei Kang, CEO of TRIA.
Overall, the aim of this pilot will set a precedent for packaging and food companies — be it B2C or B2B — in creating solutions that encourage a closed-loop system and a more circular economy. With the new bio-based food packaging created by TRIA, which combines the company’s NEUTRIA foodware, Bio24 digestion, and compost enrichment, all components of the packaging can be broken down into compost within 24 hours without separation, minimising food and packaging waste.
The full article is available in the latest edition of Food & Beverage Asia August/September 2022 issue. To continue reading, click here.
