SEC, Case push for key retailers to declare they do not purchase materials from firms linked to haze

THE Singapore Environment Council (SEC) and Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) are boosting efforts to get major supermarkets, pharmacies and furniture retailers to declare that they do not procure wood, paper or pulp materials from companies linked to the forest fires in Indonesia.

These key retailers operate several outlets from which consumers purchase paper-based products. SEC and Case will be sending declaration forms to the companies and their subsidiaries on Wednesday and expect them to respond with the declarations within a week. The companies include Dairy Farm International Holdings, Sheng Siong and Ikea Singapore.

"They are a good starting point for retailers to commit to a green procurement process and for consumers to show their support for brands that have environmentally friendly practices," said SEC and Case in a joint release. "With heightened efforts from both retailers and consumers, SEC and Case are confident that more companies will join us to promote environmentally friendly conduct."