Rollout of Chemical Recycling of Plastic Waste in Singapore

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) whether any updates can be provided on studies into chemical recycling of plastic waste in Singapore; (b) what are the implementation plans and whether these can be accelerated with additional support from private or public sectors; and (c) if not, what are the key limitations to the roll-out of chemical recycling of plastic waste.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: 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.

In October 2020, 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.

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