Giving Plastic a Purpose in Singapore

The Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign was delighted to support an invaluable clean-up event in Singapore, delivered by the environmental charity Ocean Purpose Project (OPP) and supported by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC). Bringing together volunteers committed to protecting Singapore’s coastal ecosystems, the event was held along the shores of Pasir Ris, an area known both for its natural beauty and its susceptibility to marine debris.

The team at OPP created an educational experience for all who attended, sharing insights into the challenges of marine pollution and the ways in which community action can make a difference. Every piece of plastic removed from the coastline is one less item that could degrade water quality, or enter the food chain and harm wildlife.

Three enthusiastic teams of volunteers collected an impressive 21kg of waste and seaweed from the beach. This collective effort demonstrates how small individual actions add up to significant environmental impact.

Beyond community clean-ups, Ocean Purpose Project (OPP) is leading pioneering work to rethink the role of plastic waste, transforming plastic into a resource, unlocking new economic and environmental opportunities.

At the heart of OPP’s innovation is their Plastic-to-Fuel (PTF) programme, a circular solution that converts certain types of non-recyclable plastic into usable energy. Through a process known as pyrolysis, plastic is heated in an oxygen-free environment, breaking it down into:

• Hydrogen gas, a clean energy fuel with growing potential in transport, industry, and power generation.

  
  

• Synthetic fuels, such as diesel-like oils that can be used for industrial applications or further refined.

  
  

• Carbon char, a stable by-product that can be used in filtration systems, construction materials, or further research applications.

  
  

This technology not only prevents plastic from ending up in the ocean or landfill but also supports Singapore’s broader ambitions for cleaner, more sustainable energy systems.

OPP is also exploring and developing innovative ways to repurpose other types of plastic waste into products that support environmental health and local livelihoods. Their initiatives include:

• Biomaterials for Environmental Restoration

  Using recycled plastic in materials used for seaweed or mussel farming systems, OPP puts plastic to use in repairing marine environments, instead of damaging them.

  
  

• Upcycled Consumer Goods

  Certain plastics can be processed into durable, attractive items such as coasters, tiles, decorative panels, or functional everyday products. These not only reduce waste but also raise public awareness about reuse and circular design.

  
  

• Industrial Applications

  Plastic waste can be transformed into pellets or aggregates suitable for manufacturing, construction, or 3D-printing sectors, extending the lifecycle of materials that would otherwise be discarded.

By engaging communities, raising awareness, and involving volunteers directly in conservation, organisations like OPP contribute to safeguarding our oceans for future generations.

The Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign would like to thank everyone involved in Singapore for their dedication, energy, and commitment to cleaner, healthier coastlines across the Commonwealth.

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.