Singapore is making a digital “passport” system for plastics, claimed to be a world-first, to enhance recycling and extend the lifespan of its sole landfill, Semakau, which is projected to reach capacity by 2035. Led by A*Star in partnership with Nasdaq-listed Security Matters, the multi-year initiative uses molecular-level tagging and blockchain technology to track plastic’s origin, composition, reuse cycles, and disposal, enabling transparent data sharing among manufacturers, recyclers, and authorities. The system aims to address Singapore’s low 11% domestic recycling rate in 2024, compared to Japan’s 20%, by improving waste sorting and reducing contamination, aligning with the Zero Waste Masterplan’s goal of a 70% overall recycling rate by 2030.
The digital passport employs A*Star’s spectroscopic detection and Security Matters’ molecular marking and blockchain technologies to create a tamper-proof ledger for plastics, with plans to extend to metals and rubber. Starting in Q1 2026, Security Matters has partnered with Singapore-based firms like Aegis Packaging, Skypac Packaging, and Bio Packaging to recycle over 5,000 tonnes of plastic annually, with negotiations ongoing with 40 additional companies to build a broader ecosystem. The system enables precise resin sorting, critical for recycling specific plastics like polyvinyl chloride into non-food products, enhancing efficiency and quality in recycling processes.
Singapore’s high incineration rate, with 2,000 tonnes of ash and non-incinerable waste sent to Semakau daily, highlights the urgency of sustainable waste management. The initiative supports the Extended Producer Responsibility framework, effective April 2026, which mandates manufacturers to manage beverage container recycling, introducing a 10-cent deposit system. Complementary efforts include exploring the use of Semakau’s waste for Tuas Port reclamation and as materials for roads and concrete, reducing landfill dependency. This project sets a global precedent for tackling plastic pollution and landfill crises, with potential applications in countries like Malaysia and Thailand.
(Source: The Straits Times)
