Singapore to Launch Electronic 'Passport' for Identifying Recycled Plastic Components

Singapore is developing the world's first digital plastic "passport" to promote plastic recycling. This is because Singapore's only Semakau landfill is expected to be full in 10 years, facing a severe space shortage.

This digital passport system marks plastics at the molecular level to trace their origin and recycling process. The recorded data is stored on the blockchain, enabling plastic manufacturers, recycling companies, and regulatory authorities to exchange tamper-proof information on the origin, composition, number of reuses, and disposal of plastics for auditing purposes.

The multi-year plan is led by Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) in collaboration with Nasdaq-listed company Security Matters. Besides plastics, the technology is also planned to be used for the recycling of materials such as metals and rubber.

AProfessor Lin Jinghui, Assistant Executive Chairman of the Star Science and Engineering Research Council, stated, "This is not merely a plastic project."Star and Security Matters aim to increase Singapore's recycling rate and reduce the amount of waste sent to the Semakau Landfill through this project, aligning with Singapore's "Zero Waste Masterplan."

In 2024, Singapore's household recycling rate fell to a historic low of 11% due to high contamination rates and poor waste economy management, placing it among the lowest in developed countries. In comparison, Japan's household waste recycling rate reaches 20%.

Waste management involves assessing the costs and potential benefits of recycling. Currently, most of Singapore's waste, including plastics, is incinerated, with about 2,000 tons of incineration ash and non-incinerable waste sent to Semakau daily.

According to the "Zero Waste Masterplan," Singapore plans to increase its overall recycling rate (including industrial and commercial waste) from 50% in 2024 to 70% by 2030, with a household recycling rate target of 30%.

To extend the lifespan of the Semakau Landfill beyond 2035, Singapore's National Environment Agency is studying the use of materials from Semakau Landfill for the Tuas Port reclamation project. Some areas of Tuas Port opened in 2022, and it is expected to be fully completed after 2040. Additionally, research is being conducted to use incineration ash as a base material for roads and sidewalks, as well as aggregate in non-structural concrete, to reduce the amount of ash in the landfill.

In establishing digital passports for recyclable materials, A*Star provides spectral detection and material analysis technologies, while Security Matters offers patented molecular tagging, readers, and blockchain technology. Spectral analysis reveals the composition and physical properties of materials by decomposing the wavelength components of light; molecular tagging involves embedding invisible tags into plastics, textiles, metals, and rubber for tracking purposes. Blockchain is a searchable digital ledger where information cannot be forged, enabling product authenticity verification and recording and validating material changes or ownership transfers.

Hagai Alon, founder and CEO of Security Matters, stated that the first three years of the digital passport project will track the recycling of plastic bottles and laminated materials. The company has signed agreements with three Singaporean companies—Aegis Packaging, Skypac Packaging, and Bio Packaging—to collect, recycle, and track over 5,000 tons of plastic waste annually starting from the first quarter of 2026. Currently, the company is in discussions with more than 40 companies, including virgin plastic producers, to build a larger ecosystem in the region that encompasses manufacturers, waste collectors, recyclers, and brand owners.

Aron stated, "This is the first time a country has launched a large-scale pilot of plastic digital passports. This digital passport can set a precedent for other countries facing severe plastic pollution, landfill crises, and rising urban waste management costs."

This digital passport can be read by Security Matters’ dedicated reader, A.Star's artificial intelligence technology can analyze and share digital records.Star and Security Matters hope to license their technology and share the revenue.

Understanding the composition of plastic waste helps recycling companies classify and extract specific resins for particular uses, with resin quality being crucial. For example, polyvinyl chloride cannot be recycled for food packaging due to safety concerns but can be used to make pipes and other non-food-related products.

Aaron said, "This is not just a project, but a blueprint for systemic change. The existing global plastic credit mechanisms only address the issue of waste collection at the end of the supply chain and do not change the way plastics are produced and circulated." He also mentioned that stricter waste management regulations might drive the adoption of such tracking technologies.

Singapore has implemented a legal framework requiring producers to take responsibility for packaging waste management. The first phase of the Extended Producer Responsibility framework focuses on the collection and recycling of beverage containers. In April 2026, Singapore will introduce a 10-cent deposit scheme for plastic and metal beverage bottles and cans. Consumers can redeem the deposit upon return, and producers or importers of pre-packaged plastic and metal beverages will bear the costs of collecting and recycling the containers. South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam have launched similar plans, while Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia are still developing relevant frameworks to address pollution issues.

Aaron stated, "For Singapore or other countries, relying solely on incineration is no longer a sustainable solution."

Operation Process of Plastic Digital "Passport"

1. Resin is extracted from fossil fuels such as crude oil or natural gas.
2. Insert molecular markers into each kilogram of virgin plastic pellets.
3. Manufacturers turn virgin plastic into bottles, laminates, or other products.
4. Brands label plastics used for containing beverages or as containers for other products.
5. Recycling companies collect used plastic products and classify them by grade.
6. Recycling companies extract specific resins for specific purposes. For example, PVC cannot be recycled for use in food packaging due to safety concerns, but it can be made into pipes and other non-food-related products.
7. At each stage, data on the source, composition, number of reuse cycles, and disposal of plastics are recorded on the blockchain and verified.