Singapore Embarks on World’s First National Plastics Passport with A*STAR and SMX

Singapore is positioning itself at the forefront of circular economy innovation with what has been described as the world’s first national “plastics passport.” According to a joint statement from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Security Matters PLC (SMX), the multi-year initiative will pilot a nationwide system to mark, trace, and certify plastics across their full lifecycle.

The program, according to the announcement, will combine SMX’s molecular marking and blockchain technologies with A*STAR’s chemical spectroscopic detection and AI-driven profiling research. Each plastic item will be given a secure digital identity—covering its origin, composition, and reuse history—aimed at boosting recycling efficiency and reducing dependence on incineration.

As reported by the companies, Phase 1 of the collaboration will tag and trace more than 5,000 tonnes of post-consumer plastics in real time. Semi-industrial trials are scheduled to start in Q1 2026, with a full commercial showcase expected by Q2 2027.

According to A*STAR and SMX, Singapore currently incinerates about 94% of the 957,000 tonnes of plastic waste generated each year, recycling only 6%. Analysts cited in the announcement estimate that capturing even one-third of this waste stream in a verified loop could unlock over S$100 million annually in avoided incineration costs and revenue from certified recycled plastics. The initiative is also seen as strategically aligned with Singapore’s upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations.

In addition, the program will introduce the Plastic Cycle Token (PCT). Each kilogram of verified recycled plastic will be paired with a blockchain-based, tradeable token. According to industry observers, this offers recyclers, consumer brands, and investors a measurable way to monetise circularity. Verified post-consumer resin is already trading at a 5–15% premium over virgin plastics in regulated markets, based on recent industry data.

Haggai Alon, Founder and CEO of SMX, highlighted the broader vision: “Together with A*STAR and our industry partners, we are building a bridge from Semakau to Jurong Island - transforming what was once a disposal endpoint into a high-value feedstock stream.”

Professor Lim Keng Hui, Assistant CEO at A*STAR, added: “This collaboration exemplifies A*STAR’s mission to translate cutting‑edge research into impactful, sustainable solutions. Together with SMX, we will harness science and engineering to close the plastics loop and strengthen Singapore's position as a global circularity hub.”

According to market estimates shared in the announcement, the initiative could raise regional recycling rates by over 30% and cut landfill or ash-fill volumes by half by 2030. If replicated across ASEAN, the framework could generate a market worth S$4.2 billion annually in certified recycled materials and related platform services.

As global industries prepare for stricter recycling and packaging mandates, Singapore’s Plastics Passport initiative offers what analysts describe as a blueprint for how technology, regulation, and financial instruments can converge to turn waste into economic opportunity.

Source: SMX