Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Chemical Recycling of Plastic Waste by Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment

Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on hemical Recycling of Plastic Waste by Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis: To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment how is the Government supporting agri-tech start-ups and other SMEs that focus on growing food locally.

Answer:

1 As part of our efforts to develop a circular economy and reduce our emissions, the government is working with industry to explore chemical recycling of plastic waste as a complementary approach to mechanical recycling. Chemical recycling enables Singapore to expand our capabilities to treat plastics which are not suitable for mechanical recycling, such as contaminated packaging and single-use plastics.

2 In October 2020, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Shell launched a joint study on the feasibility of chemically recycling plastic waste in Singapore. Findings from the study indicated that chemical recycling in Singapore is technically feasible. In January 2021, NEA launched a feasibility study for a pilot Plastic Recovery Facility to recover plastic waste from domestic waste for chemical recycling. NEA is currently analysing the findings of the two studies before deciding on our next steps.

3 We remain open and committed to work with interested stakeholders in the ecosystem to close the plastic waste loop locally, diversify petrochemical feedstock towards sustainable sources, and reduce national carbon emissions.