Singapore supermarket chain NTUC FairPrice first retailer to introduce reverse vending in the city-state

NTUC FairPrice is the first retailer to introduce and pilot an automated reverse vending system in Singapore. Wincor Nixdorf’s Revendo 7300 forms part of the retailers green store initiative in which it has introduced a range of eco-friendly features in one store in the city-state. Reverse vending solutions allow for the identification, collecting, sorting and processing of used and empty bottles and cans.
“The recycling initiative using an operational reverse vending system has already captured a lot of interest from customers,” said Gerry Lee, Deputy Managing Director for Group Business and Chairman of the Green Committee, NTUC FairPrice. “Despite some unfamiliarity with the new technology, as many as 500 cans and bottles have been recycled using the reverse vending solution in one day. It is an encouraging sign and demonstrates how innovative technology can play a part in protecting the environment,” he added.
The pilot is currently running in NTUC FairPrice’s supermarket located at the City Square shopping mall. From one supermarket, FairPrice has grown to become Singapore’s largest retailer, with a network of more than 230 outlets comprising mass and high-end supermarkets, as well as convenience stores. NTUC FairPrice also owns a Fresh Food Distribution Centre and a centralized warehousing and distribution company.
 “The pilot with NTUC FairPrice is a significant step forward to introducing recycling technology to consumers in Singapore. Recycling is only possible by efficiently deploying technologies that are accepted and used by society and that optimize operating costs,” said Robert Mazuga, Wincor Nixdorf Technology’s Business Development Director of Reverse Vending.
The cans and PET bottles are inserted into the feed unit of the reverse vending system, recognized by an image camera and compacted in an integrated container.
Global demand for automated reverse vending solutions at retail outlets continues to rise as protection of the environment is on the agenda of many international companies and governments. Europe leads the world with various government mandates to ensure recycling of cans and bottles.