Container return scheme consortium not anti-competitive, says watchdog

It says enterprise by Coca-Cola, F&N Foods, Pokka unlikely to infringe Competition Act

- Chin Hui Shan

A consortium set up by three beverage firms to run a beverage container return scheme is not anti-competitive, Singapore's competition watchdog said on Jan 3.

Coca-Cola Singapore Beverages, F&N Foods and Pokka sought guidance from the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) on whether the joint establishment and operation of the Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) Ltd infringes the Competition Act, said the watchdog.

In response to queries, CCCS said this is the first application it has received from firms seeking guidance to jointly meet environmental sustainability goals since a guidance note on such collaborations was issued in March 2024.

CCCS said on Jan 3 that the joint establishment and operation of BCRS is unlikely to infringe the Competition Act.

In the guidance note on how businesses can collaborate to meet sustainability goals, CCCS said a collaboration that restricts competition will still be in compliance with the law if it leads to economic benefits, such as lower costs, among other criteria.

The note gives more clarity on how to pursue business collaborations without harming competition while supporting Singapore's environmental sustainability goals.