We thank Mr Martin Lee Ming Han for his views (Focus on reducing waste, not changing from plastic to paper, Jan 7). We agree that substituting plastic packaging materials with other materials may not be better for the environment. NEA’s life-cycle assessment study of carrier bags and food containers revealed that perceived eco-friendly alternatives, such as single-use paper bags and biodegradable bags, also have an environmental impact. Notwithstanding, packaging waste, of which a large part is plastics, is one of NEA’s key priority waste streams. This year, NEA will make it mandatory for large businesses to report the amount of packaging they introduce into the market and their 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) plans. This will pave the way for an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework to manage packaging waste, which will be implemented by 2025. Under the EPR framework, businesses will be made responsible for the collection and recycling of packaging discarded by consumers. While plastic bags may still be needed to bag wet items or trash before their disposal, more can be done to reduce their excessive use.... Continue Reading