Prime Supermarket currently has 24 outlets while Sheng Siong has 68. Neither supermarket charges for plastic bags currently.
A Sheng Siong spokesperson said that the supermarket was collaborating with non-governmental organisation Zero Waste SG on a three-month long campaign to encourage customers to use recyclable bags for groceries.
Prime Supermarket is looking into bringing in reusable bags for its customers to buy “at a lower cost”.
“We definitely will work on it to educate consumers the importance of (a) green environment,” the spokesperson added, when asked how the supermarket will encourage consumers to switch to sustainable alternatives of carrier bags.
Meanwhile, DFI Retail Group said Cold Storage and Giant currently offer a range of reusable bags for use, and plan to introduce more to encourage customers to make the switch to reusable bags. Both supermarket chains have 101 stores here.
“In-store communications and our friendly team members will continue to remind and encourage customers about our reusable bag options,” said a spokesperson.
NTUC FairPrice, the largest supermarket chain in Singapore, first introduced a plastic bag charge at selected outlets in September 2019, where seven selected supermarkets and convenience stores charged customers for plastic bags.
In 2022, the initiative was implemented across all 178 Cheers and FairPrice Xpress convenience stores and 11 FairPrice supermarkets, according to a spokesperson.
The retailer, which has 230 outlets here, said it had saved more than 57 million plastic bags last year from its “No Plastic Bag” initiative.
“Over the coming months, we hope to work in partnership with the relevant government agencies to continually remind shoppers that there will be a mandated charge for disposable plastic bags in supermarkets,” the spokesperson said.
As part of the proposed legislation, supermarket operators will be required to publish information on the number of bags issued, the proceeds received from the bag charge and how these proceeds are used. They are encouraged to channel the proceeds into social or environmental causes.
While the grocers confirmed to CNA that proceeds would be used for social and environmental causes, most said that specific details have yet to be finalised.
NTUC FairPrice’s past proceeds went towards supporting green initiatives, including a S$180,000 contribution to the National Parks Board’s OneMillionTrees movement.