In an effort to reduce plastic bag usage and promote sustainability, FairPrice, has introduced a new policy requiring customers to scan a barcode and pay five cents for each plastic bag used at self-checkout counters.
Starting from July 3, this initiative comes in response to the upcoming mandatory plastic bag charge that will be implemented across major supermarket chains.
FairPrice Group’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Chan Tee Seng, emphasizes that the aim of this new policy is to create a seamless and user-friendly experience for customers.
Rather than increasing staff at self-checkout counters, FairPrice is implementing an honor system. Under this system, customers will be responsible for scanning the barcode themselves, ensuring that the number of bags used is accurately accounted for.
FairPrice believes that the majority of their customers will act responsibly in adhering to this practice. He said that “If they’ve taken five bags, then they scan it five times. And we believe that by and large, many of our customers will do the right thing.”
Recognizing the importance of education, FairPrice is actively training their frontline staff, including cashiers, to engage customers in conversations about the environmental reasons behind the plastic bag charge.
By providing information and raising awareness, FairPrice aims to encourage customers to make conscious decisions regarding their plastic bag usage.
FairPrice Group plans to disclose the details of how the funds collected from the five cent charge will be utilized for environmental or social causes in approximately 18 months. This transparency ensures that customers are aware of how their contributions are making a difference and supports FairPrice’s commitment to sustainability.
At present, FairPrice already imposes a charge of 20 cents per transaction when customers request plastic bags at the cashier in 11 of their outlets, regardless of the number of bags used.
Additionally, for 178 convenience shops operated by FairPrice, such as Cheers and FairPrice Xpress outlets, the charge per transaction is 10 cents.
With the implementation of the new policy, the mandatory charge of five cents per bag will apply to all supermarkets and convenience stores, including those with smaller bags compared to traditional supermarkets. This consistent approach ensures fairness and reinforces the message of responsible plastic bag usage.
Dr. Amy Khor, the Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, has expressed her hopes that the plastic bag charge, similar to schemes in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Britain, will reduce plastic bag usage by 60 to 90 percent.
With around 400 major supermarkets, including FairPrice, Cold Storage, Giant, Sheng Siong, and Prime supermarket stores, implementing charges for disposable shopping bags, the impact of this initiative is expected to be substantial.