Multi Rewards Reverse Vending Machine
Photo credit: F&N Singapore
Programme will have greater community engagement, industry involvement and different Reverse Vending Machine locations
Singapore, 24 January 2022 – Encouraged by the positive results so far, F&N Foods, supported by the National Environment Agency (NEA) will embark on the next phase of the ongoing Recycle N Save initiative to engage more people to join in the nationwide effort to recycle their beverage plastic bottles and aluminium cans through deposits in Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs).
Since the launch of the Recycle N Save initiative in October 2019, about nine million plastic drink bottles and aluminum drink cans have been collected through 50 smart RVMs deployed across Singapore and in schools. The aim of theprogramme is to encourage Singaporeans to adopt an eco-conscious lifestyle by offering them a convenient and rewarding way to recycle empty plastic drink bottles and aluminium drink cans.TheRVMs are automated machines which utilise advanced technology to identify, sort, collect and compact empty aluminium drink cans and plastic drink bottles for recycling.
Ms Jennifer See, Managing Director, F&N Foods Pte Ltd said, “In the new phase of Recycle N Save, we will be redeploying the RVMs to more schools and also to new locations such as business parks, office buildings, and mixed developments. By doing so, we hope to widen our reach and deepen our engagement with the community through educational outreach and newly forged collaborations with corporate partners. The outreach campaign will include activities such as design competitions and talks, all organised with the aim to encourage more people to embrace the habit of recycling.”
Mr Ram Bhaskar, NEA’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Environmental Protection) and Director-General of Environmental Protection said, “Recycling is a key strategy in prolonging the lifespan of our only landfill, Semakau Landfill and in reducing our carbon emissions. We are very heartened by the results of the first phase of the Recycle N Save initiative. Since the RVM operations resumed one and a half years ago, the deposit rate has been steadily increasing. With new collaboration partners and stepped up outreach and engagement efforts in the second phase, we hope to build on this momentum and encourage even more Singaporeans to join in the nationwide effort to recycle their beverage containers. This will contribute towards Singapore’s goal of increasing the recycling rate to 70 per cent by 2030.”
A key partner in this new phase is Artacia, a design and technology company, which will work with artists and designers toupcycle the beverage containers collected through the RVMs into 3D-printed artworks such as everyday objects like benches and planters. Updates on upcoming events and new locations of the RVMs can be found on the initiative’s microsite, RecycleNSave.sg.
Containers are deposited into the RVM with bottoms facing inwards Photo credit: NEAAll containers collected from the RVMs are sent for recycling Photo Credit: NEA
Lifebuoy launches campaign to inspire Malaysians to embrace living in a safer new reality
Kuala Lumpur, 27 December 2021 – The world’s number one hygiene soap brand[i], Lifebuoy Malaysia, has launched their #LifeZamanSekarang Campaign in tandem with the progressive re-opening of numerous sectors within the country. The #LifeZamanSekarang Campaign acts as a nationwide reminder to instil positivity within Malaysians while reminding them on the importance of washing hands to keep Covid-19 at bay. With this campaign, Lifebuoy Malaysia is determined to do their part in helping both the public and underprivileged communities in adapting to the new normal, essentially, #KitaProtectKita.
Lenny Chuah, Beauty Personal Care Marketing Director of Unilever Malaysia-Singapore, shared that “The prolonged nationwide lockdown has impacted not only the country’s economic progression but also the people, even more so the underprivileged community. While the national vaccination programme has accelerated the process of herd immunization, we must not drop our guard. Handwashing, masking, and social distancing remain critical in ensuring good hygiene and keeping everyone safe.
“As a company, Lifebuoy Malaysia has and will always prioritise working towards the betterment of our planet and society. This campaign is aimed to inspire Malaysians to live #LifeZamanSekarang and enjoy their lives even with the continuous impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, all while staying safe using Lifebuoy and practising standard safety procedures that have been set,” explained Chuah.
Elvina Mohamad
The campaign kicked off in July with the launch of our Lifebuoy Public Service Announcement (PSA) and infection alert system, the latter being a collaboration between Lifebuoy and Google to identify those Malaysian cities most affected by Covid-19 so that Lifebuoy might serve those same communities. These initiatives were meant to raise awareness on the continuing COVID-19 cases and the need to practice good hygiene using the hashtag #KitaProtectKita. The second phase of the campaign engages key opinion leaders to encourage their followers to showcase how their lives have changed post-pandemic by using the hashtag #LifeZamanSekarang.
Hui Mei
And for every submission of user-generated content, Lifebuoy has teamed up with Guardian and HOPE worldwide Malaysia to donate a care package to a family in need, thus living up to the idea of #KitaProtectKita. The care packages, jointly developed between Lifebuoy and Guardian, will include essential daily items such as hand sanitizers, handwash, body wash, and Guardian sponsored facemasks, both to encourage good personal hygiene and to help minimize the risk of infection.
Naz Rahman
Darick Wong, Country Director HOPE worldwide Malaysia, shared that, “This is an exciting collaboration for HOPE worldwide Malaysia especially in this age of Covid-19. While we recognize that the country is beginning to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, the ripple effect of the pandemic still can be felt, especially within the marginalized communities. Through this donation, we will be able to help families in need to stay safe.
Amber Chia
Lifebuoy Malaysia is steadfast in its commitment to drive the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan through campaigns such as this. Lifebuoy is an organization with a strong sense of purpose and is proud to work with partners such as HOPE worldwide Malaysia, Guardian Malaysia and other like-minded organizations to support those most vulnerable during this trying time.
“We aim to make a difference to those who need it most. We have and will always prioritise working towards the betterment of our planet and society. This campaign is another step in the right direction for us to realise our mission of motivating our consumers to improve their hygiene behaviour. We understand the impact the Covid-19 pandemic caused the country as well as the people and are determined to do our part in making sustainable living commonplace – starting from home. We are not only providing the tools to keep them safe but also inspiring hope among the people that they can enjoy their lives even with the changes that have been made in #LifeZamanSekarang,” concluded Chuah.
Khalid Alvi, Chief Executive Officer of Etika, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei
Attributed to Khalid Alvi, Chief Executive Officer of Etika, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei
According to experts, nearly 40% of all products globally will be sold online by 2026[1]. Recovering from the shock of the pandemic, business leaders are now looking at long-term strategic moves, particularly since the “next normal” looks drastically different than from what we’re used to. Being one the largest markets worldwide, the Fast-Moving-Consumer-Goods (FMCG) industry is also presented with an enormous responsibility— and opportunity—to reinvent their operation models to navigate an uncharted future.
Consumer behaviours are settling into a new normal, as people everywhere learn to live with the reality of COVID-19 and as more countries reopen parts of their economies. While the FMCG industry has remained resilient during the pandemic, the business environment is changing fast with accelerated digitalisation.
To keep a pulse on both, companies need to learn how to innovate and digitally transform their business to cut through current “digital fatigue”. To do so, companies must first understand the evolving trends in the market.
Shift of value perception and buying habits
Even though markets are reopening, global consumers income has dropped. The outlook of the economy is not optimistic – hence, the choices people make on everyday spending will also be affected. Research shows that consumers are being mindful about their spending and trading down to less expensive products[2]. This means keeping their spending largely limited to essential, such as groceries and household supplies and cutting back on the more discretionary categories. However, with the rollout of vaccinations in place, the Malaysian economy is expected to strengthen between 5.5% and 6.5% in 2022[3].
Spending power aside, consumers have also changed the way they make purchases, shifting to online shopping and relying on smaller, neighbourhood grocery stores. In fact, due to the supply-chain disruptions caused by COVID-19, many consumers have experimented with different brands or shopped at a different retailers during the crisis. This shows that value, availability, and quality are drivers for consumers to make these switches. Many brands understood this and changed their marketing strategy to in order to stay relevant.
In Etika’s case, we focused our efforts on connecting with our customers via forward-thinking digital campaigns. This included championing several digital initiatives during the lockdown period, such as the first-ever concert from home in Malaysia called Konsert #WONDADiRumah, Goodday virtual moreh sessions, and augmented reality (AR) filters for Hari Raya celebrations. By keeping our community engaged, and continuously delivering great offerings during the challenge, Etika was able to maintain steady growth during this time.
Establishing strong e-commerce presence
Consumer brands have long understood the need to adapt to digital shopping behaviours. Yet, the recent disruptions have triggered a greater sense of urgency. A study by McKinsey showed that most product categories have seen more than 10 percent growth in their online customer base during the pandemic[4], and many consumers are planning to continue shopping online even when brick-and-mortar stores reopen. This trend is consistent across the globe and the share of wallet spent online is expected to increase post pandemic.
Etika has capitalised on this trend with our flagship stores on Shopee and Lazada. In 2021, for Chinese New Year Etika had organised a giveaway initiative where consumers were entitled to receive free drinks and cash vouchers with their purchase online. This was also coupled with the launch of a special Chinese New Year video.
The progress of the e-commerce space also saw the birth of a new demographic group[5] – an older, less affluent, more rural audience. Because of the sudden accelerated adoption of e-commerce, brands will have to win these new of shoppers through value proposition, a more user-friendly experience and invest in moments that surprise and delight even post transaction. That said, the biggest spenders online remains to be high-income earners and millennials, both whom are leading the way in shifting spend online across both essential and nonessential items.
Greener products takes the spotlight
Another emerging trend accelerated by COVID-19 is the focus on sustainability and planetary change, with a first wave of dominant interest set to splash over the next 18 months and drive sentiments mainstream by 2022. The constant development of consumer awareness regarding sustainable development has spread to food markets. For the FMCG industry, this could provide an opportunity for companies to enhance their business resilience through improving sustainability practices in their value chain.
Joining this effort, Etika has also renewed its sustainability efforts around key pillars of reducing carbon emission, sourcing sustainable ingredients, innovation in packaging and waste reduction. For example, we have a strong commitment towards sustainable sourcing by obtaining raw ingredients such as sugar and palm from ethical producers. We have also steadily been working to innovate our packaging and introduce materials that are eco-friendly and recyclable by using 100% FSC certified paper for operational and packaging needs.This means that the paper products being used are sourced in an environmentally friendly manner, socially responsible and economically viable. Other ongoing efforts include collaborating with Malaysia Plastic Pact to incorporate more recyclable materials in our packaging to reduce plastic waste.
Increased Demand for Healthier Alternatives
Consumers today are more concious about their diet and are making healthier choices when it comes to their food and drinks. The pandemic has further reinforced the importance of good health and this has increased the demands for healthier alternatives. For instance, Ai Palette found that healthier snacks options such as nuts and seeds grew in popularity in Philippines while oat-based snacks and dark chocolate gained popularity in Singapore[6].
Across the FMCG industry, health and wellness initiatives are becoming increasingly important. Some brands are actively working on product reformulation and sugar-reduction programmes along with introducing healthier product alternative for the consumers. As more and more consumers are looking for healthier alternative this is an opportunity for companies to explore new products and introduce healthier products in the market.
Businesses that can react to the evolving demands and needs with innovative approaches will create resonance with consumers which in turn, will them place them as leaders in the imdustry. As one of Malaysia’s leading halal beverage manufacturers, Etika is truly excited to take the key learnings acquired from this period and reinvent our tactics to continue delivering excellent value to our existing and future partners, stakeholders, and customers.
Premier Marketing, the company behind the Taro fish snack brand in Thailand, has launched its latest fish strip made from imported Alaskan pollock. The new Taro Alaska Pollock is available in Supreme Classic and Supreme Bar-B-Q.
The company stands out from other fish snack brands by emphasising the use of high quality imported Alaskan pollock to deliver a delicious snack for the entire family.
PC Studio Cafe in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia has launched Yee Sang Burger. The latest creation combines the restaurant’s juicy fried chicken with a sweet and tangy yee sang slaw. You can also down it all with a refreshing can of vida Malaysia ヴィダ Orange Vitamin C.
The Yee Sang Burger is available to order now, while the Mini and Prosperity Yee Sang’s is available starting Wednesday (19/1/2021).
PC Studio Cafe is a cafe-cum-cooking studio aiming to provide the modern cafe experience whilst offering guided culinary sessions. We offer plant-based options and specialize in plant-based cooking classes along with gadget cooking.
Bali Hai Brewing and Holywings Indonesia have announced a new collaboration in 2022. Beer Cinta is a new lager style beer that comes with the raspberry flavour and features a 4.95% ABV. Beer Cinta is available at Holywings outlets and online. Holywings is known to provide the experience of a unique atmosphere – beer houses, lounges, and nightclubs in each outlet.
Beer Cinta is an interesting collaboration between a foodservice operator and a beer producer. Other breweries can follow in Bali Hai Brewery’s footstep to co-brand with foodservice players.
Image by Bali Hai Brewery
Kediri Kuning is a wine with 11% ABV made from the Kediri Kuning grapes grown in Bali. The wine is made by PT Sababay Indonesia. Holywings Sorak is made by PT Hatten Wines Indonesia and has a 19% ABV. It is based om the traditional Indonesian “arak” and is made to have a smooth taste when consumed.
Click here to purchase on the official Holywing’s store on Tokopedia.
Abbott Nutrition Malaysia has launched Glucerna Vanilla Liquid in RTD format. This specialised nutrition (220ml) comes in the same superior diabetes-specific formula but in a ready-to-drink format for people on-the-go.
Click here to purchase on the official store on Shopee.
Nangka By Chubbs is a vegan meal made from jackfruit. It is described as a pre-cooked meal and is available in two local flavours designed to satisfy the Malaysian palate.
NANGKA RENDANG: a fragrant stew, of slow braised jackfruit that has been infused with spices to bring forth the sensational flavor and richness greatly inspired by our local heritage
. BBQ PULLED JACKFRUIT: a satisfying and hearty BBQ dish that has smoky undertones might be right up your alley with two lip-smacking options of original and spicy, where you can toss it in between toasted burger buns/rice bowls/salads and other tasty possibilities.
Nangka By Chubbs is said to be vegan, free from MSG and preservatives.
Daboba Malaysia has introduced Pip Pop Pearl as a must drink for Chinese New Year. According to the official description, “these drinks taste sweet-but-also-tart flavor and a fragrant aroma create a perfect balance of delicious tea to you. Enjoy the pip pop pearl burst in the mouth while drinking and it perfectly matches the fruit tea.”
The limited edition Pip Pop Pearl drinks are available in the following flavours:
Kamquat Lemon Pip Pop Pearl
Honey Lemon Pip Pop Pearl
Passion Fruit Pip Pop Pearl
Kamquat or Kumquat is a quintessential flavour associated with Chinese-style drinks.
Rex Canning Corporation has launched Rex Mushroom Soup as a new entrance into the canned soup category in Malaysia. The product is a condensedsoupand can be prepared quickly, turning into a wholesome meal, full of nourishment. The key ingredients are water, canola oil, wheat flour, button mushroom, milk powder, shitake flakes, isolated soy protein, onion pwder, garlic powder and black pepper. The soup has a shelf life of 36 months.
Rex Mushroom Soup is available for purchase on Shopee. Click here to purchase.
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