Comparative Study on Carbon Impact of Tetra Paks and Disposable Plastic Bottles

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) what respective percentages of (i) tetra paks and (ii) disposable plastic water bottles disposed of in a recycling bin in Singapore gets recycled; (b) whether the Ministry has conducted or knows of a life-cycle assessment that compares the carbon impact of a tetra pak to that of a disposable plastic water bottle of similar capacity; and (c) if so, what are the results of such studies.

Used beverage cartons, such as tetra pak cartons and disposable plastic water bottles, that have been deposited in the blue commingled recycling bins provided under the National Recycling Programme are sorted by the Public Waste Collectors at material recovery facilities. About 60% of all materials collected from the blue commingled recycling bins are recycled. NEA does not track the specific recycling percentages for disposable plastic water bottles or used tetra pak cartons.

We have not conducted any life-cycle assessment that specifically compares the carbon impact of a tetra pak carton with that of a disposable plastic water bottle of similar capacity; nor are we aware of any authoritative studies on this. NEA's focus is to reduce the excessive consumption of all types of packaging, not just plastic bottles or tetra pak cartons, and to work with stakeholders to promote recycling.