FairPrice Group and A*STAR launch pilot for Smart Bins to encourage households to recycle more and recycle correctly

• The Smart Bin called BINgo employs artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and smartsensors to help address the issues of incorrect recycling practices and low recycling ratesin Singapore
• There will be an initial deployment of BINgo prototypes to three locations in Singapore atAMK Hub, NEX and FairPrice Hub

SINGAPORE, 6 October 2022 – FairPrice Group (FPG) is leading the launch of a pilot for thedeployment of smart waste sorting bins named “BINgo”, in partnership with the Agency forScience, Technology and Research (A*STAR). BINgo employs artificial intelligence (AI), Internetof Things (IoT) and smart sensors to help address the issues of incorrect recycling practices andlow recycling rates in Singapore. As part of pilot trials, one prototype BINgo machine has beendeployed at AMK Hub, and other prototype BINgo machines are expected to beprogressively deployed to NEX and FairPrice Hub, and will be kept at the premises for up to oneyear, till October 2023.

BINgo employs artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and smart sensors to help address theissues of incorrect recycling practices and low recycling rates in Singapore.

“FairPrice embraces sustainability practices in our business by proactively championing andintroducing efforts to nurture and protect our environment. Through this smart bins initiative, weaim to educate and imbue the importance of recycling right in the community, and inculcate thehabit of reducing our environmental footprint,” said Mr Jonas Kor, General Manager, FairPriceFoundation.

BINgo aims to encourage correct recycling practices and improve recycling rates through AI-enabled automated sorting technology and smart sensors to improve the collection processes of recyclables, including metal cans, glass, paper and plastic packaging, in recyclable condition.This means that waste fed into the machine can be identified as material suitable or unsuitable forrecycling, and identified as having any contamination present that may affect its suitability forrecycling (e.g. remnant liquid and pearls in a half-empty bubble tea cup). The machine’s interfacealso educates the user about useful recycling facts as they go through the process of feedingwaste into the machine.

In line with its commitment to promote a circular and low carbon economy, FairPrice Groupendeavours to implement reduce, reuse and recycle programmes to minimise unnecessary use ofmaterials and the amount of waste generated, especially packaging.

Highlights of the Smart Bin, BINgo

The development of BINgo was funded by FairPrice's Sustainability Fund and led by A*STAR’sSingapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech). Established in 2019, FairPrice'sSustainability Fund aims to address sustainability and environmental issues by raisingawareness, supporting innovative ideas and initiatives as well as fostering strategic partnerships.A*STAR’s SIMTech contributed its expertise in manufacturing technologies and product design,and integrated AI, IoT and smart sensor technologies into the prototypes to enable BINgo toautomatically sort recyclables.

Dr David Low, Executive Director of A*STAR’s SIMTech, said, “The use of innovativemanufacturing and artificial intelligence technologies in the development of BINgo will make iteasier to identify recyclables and improve the efficiency of waste collection and sorting usingautomation. A*STAR is excited to co-innovate this solution with FairPrice Group and embark onthis meaningful pilot, which will help generate greater awareness about the importance ofrecycling correctly and aim to increase recycling rates in Singapore.”

With simple to use step-by-step guide and user-friendly interface, BINgo is packed with interactiveand educational elements to help shoppers identify recyclables from non-recyclables, enablingthem to recycle more and recycle correctly. This design boosts efficiency and helps streamlinecollection processes, creating an enhanced experience for users. Additionally, the data of wastecollected over time will improve recognition of the recyclables, as well as improve statisticalanalysis for better waste management.

Beyond the initiative announced today, FairPrice has taken the lead in various green initiativessuch as the No Plastic Bag initiative where FairPrice was the first supermarket to implement charges on plastic bags. It also champions the reduction of food waste through its FairPrice-CSR Food Waste Reduction Framework, and is also the Pioneer Partner for the BCA Green Mark Portfolio Programme. Today, more than 40 FairPrice stores have attained Green Markcertification including two platinum awards for its stores at Zhongshan Park and Kallang Wave Mall.

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About NTUC FairPrice

NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Ltd was founded by the labour movement in 1973, with a social mission to moderate the cost of living in Singapore. From one supermarket, it has grown to become a leading retailer in Singapore serving more than half a million shoppers daily through a network of over 390 outlets, comprising FairPrice supermarket, FairPrice Shop, FairPrice Finest, FairPrice Xtra, Unity Pharmacy, FairPrice Xpress and Cheers convenience stores. Its e-commerce portal, FairPrice online, draws over 700,000 visitors monthly. FairPrice also owns a Fresh Food Distribution Centre and a centralised warehousing and distribution company.

Today, with its multiple retail formats serving the varied needs and interests of people from all walks of life, NTUC FairPrice has kept pace with the changing needs of its customers while remaining committed to its social mission and its aspiration to be Singapore’s leading world-class retailer with a heart.

Guided by the philosophy to do well in order to do good for the community, NTUC FairPrice launched FairPrice Foundation in 2008 to focus its giving efforts to provide a better life for the community. FairPrice Foundation focuses its giving on three strategic thrusts – the poor and needy, nation building and community bonding, and advancing workers’ welfare. FairPrice has since donated more than $178 million to the Foundation to further these three areas of focus.

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR’s R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis. For ongoing news, visit www.a-star.edu.sg.