ION Orchard leads charge in sustainable takeaway practices

 Shoppers will enjoy discounts when they opt for a reusable mug or food container from Muuse.

In Singapore, where single-use plastic disposables like takeaway containers account for 30% to 70% of plastic waste, initiatives like ION Orchard’s Sustainable Takeaway programme is a radically serious statement.

The initiative, supported by the SG Eco Fund, involves six tenants in its pilot run from 1 April to 30 September 2024. The participating tenants are Common Man Coffee Roasters, Food Opera, Plain Vanilla, Starbucks, Toast Box, and The 1872 Clipper Tea Co.

Yeo Mui Hong, chief executive officer of Orchard Turn Developments which manages ION Orchard, said the initiative launched in partnership with Muuse, will “incite a sense of responsible consumption.”

“Shoppers can borrow reusable mugs from five participating cafes at ION Orchard by scanning a serialised QR code, then return the reusables within 30 days for professional cleaning,” Yeo said.

Yeo emphasised that while changing the habits and lifestyles of shoppers takes time, she believes that “all that’s required for a more sustainable future are small, practical steps that we can take in our daily lives.”

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To ensure the programme’s effectiveness in reducing single-use plastics, participating tenants in ION Orchard are incentivising shoppers with discounts when they opt for reusable mugs and food containers from Muuse.

Muuse also has a booth at Food Opera at B4 of ION Orchard open from Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., which promotes the programme to shoppers. The mall, for its part, is promoting the initiative on its social media platforms.

“There is a growing demand among local consumers for sustainable and environmentally friendly products and services, as they are increasingly aware of their environmental impact and hence making conscious choices to support sustainable brands,” Yeo said.

To leverage this emerging consumer trend, Yeo said ION Orchard will continue to collaborate with like-minded brands and shoppers in its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.

The Sustainable Takeaway programme is not ION Orchard’s first bold move geared towards promoting eco-consciousness. In 2021, it launched its Green Points campaign to encourage patrons to bring their reusable shopping bags, mugs, and food containers.

“The act of reusing goes beyond merely being a choice — it signifies an intentional effort towards living sustainably as a norm. Advocating for sustainable practices in ION Orchard is an ongoing journey, one that requires dedication, collaboration, and a commitment to positive change,” Yeo said.