Half-priced beers and discounted tea: Retailers slash prices on drinks without Return Right logo
From Oct 1, it is an offence to sell beverages without the requisite logo.
As the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) prepares for full implementation in Singapore, retailers are offering discounts on certain drinks to clear stock before the deadline. Some containers, not bearing the mandatory Return Right logo, are being sold at up to 50% off. The scheme mandates labeling all plastic bottles and cans from 150ml to three litres with a 10-cent deposit mark, which customers retrieve by returning used containers to reverse vending machines.
Over 1,000 machines were operational by April 1, 2026, but the National Environment Agency granted producers and retailers six extra months to clear old stock. From October 1, selling unmarked containers will be illegal, carrying fines of up to $10,000 and/or three months in jail. Japanese chain Don Don Donki is selling "non-BCRS" labelled alcoholic products at 20-34% discounts in two outlets.
Korean grocery chain K-Market, with 3,258 unlabeled containers in nine outlets, plans to use markdowns, displays, and stock transfers to clear inventory before the deadline. Beer distributor Watering Hole is selling 1,500 cans at half price, facing challenges in meeting new packaging standards and coordinating with international suppliers.
Cold Storage and Giant are considering selective clearance sales, product re-allocations, and partnerships with suppliers to manage the transition. FairPrice Group is also preparing for the scheme. Retailers are working to clear affected stock before the September 30 deadline.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
