ESG: From Voluntary to Mandatory

Singapore has moved decisively from voluntary ESG reporting to a mandatory climate disclosure regime, aligning with international sustainability standards.

From FY2025, all listed companies will be required to report Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while Straits Times Index (STI) constituents must also disclose Scope 3 emissions from FY2026. These follow the ISSB-aligned standards IFRS S1 (General Sustainability Disclosures) and IFRS S2 (Climate-related Disclosures)

Meanwhile, large non-listed companies (Large NLCos) — those with ≥ S$1 billion revenue and ≥ S$500 million assets — will begin reporting from FY2030, with external limited assurance for GHG data required from FY2032.

This phased timeline ensures readiness while maintaining Singapore’s trajectory toward a net-zero economy by 2050.

 

 

Why ESG Matters for Businesses ?

ESG reporting is more than a compliance checkbox.  It is now a business imperative that influences long-term performance and stakeholder trust.

Forward-looking businesses benefit through:

• Easier access to sustainable finance, as banks link lending rates to ESG maturity.

• Supply chain inclusion, since global buyers demand carbon accountability.

• Talent attraction, as employees prefer responsible and purpose-driven employers.

• Reputation and resilience, strengthening brand trust and stakeholder confidence.

By embedding sustainability into governance and finance, companies future-proof their growth.

 

 

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape

 

The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and SGX RegCo are also offering transitional support through Enterprise Singapore’s Sustainability Reporting Grant, helping firms develop internal data and reporting capabilities.

 

 

The Opportunity Behind Compliance

While some view ESG as an additional reporting burden, early adopters recognise its potential as a strategic differentiator.

Innovation driver — Encourages investment in low-carbon technologies and circular systems.
Market access — Opens doors to sustainability-conscious investors and buyers.
Operational resilience — Builds stronger governance and risk frameworks.

Businesses that take proactive steps today will stand out tomorrow — as trusted, future-ready leaders in the green economy.

 

 

How to Get Started ?

• Assess your ESG readiness — Identify data and governance gaps.

• Develop an ESG roadmap — Align with ISSB/IFRS S1 & S2 standards.

• Invest in systems and training — Strengthen reporting and analytics capabilities.

• Engage professional support — Partner with ESG consultants to ensure credible disclosures.

 

 

Conclusion

Singapore’s ESG transformation represents both a regulatory shift and a strategic opportunity. Businesses that align early will not just comply; they’ll lead in sustainable value creation, investor trust, and long-term growth.

At FinSustain Consulting, we help businesses integrate finance with sustainability turning ESG reporting into a story of purpose and progress.

 

 

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Let’s start your sustainability journey today.

 

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Packaging is a hidden cost line in many businesses until compliance makes it visible. In Singapore, Mandatory Packaging Reporting (MPR) requires certain companies to report the packaging they import or use and to submit a 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) plan each year.

This guide breaks down MPR requirements, reporting timelines and how businesses can take practical 3R actions today while preparing for future regulations.

What is MPR?

MPR sits under the Resource Sustainability Act (RSA) and is administered by the National Environment Agency (NEA), which aims to increase corporate awareness of the benefits of packaging reduction, encourage companies to minimize packaging use, and support informed policy planning for effective packaging waste management.

Who needs to comply?

Singapore registered companies that meet ALL of the following need to comply with the MPR:

• You carry on a business supplying regulated goods in Singapore; and
• Your annual turnover exceeds S$10 million (threshold); and
• You import or use specified packaging.

Practical examples of commonly obligated entities include brand owners, manufacturers, importers, and large retailers (e.g., those supplying packaged products and/or providing carrier bags). Retailer carrier bags, for example, are reportable.

When does MPR have to be reported?

NEA opens the reporting window from 1 January to 31 March every reporting year via NEA’s Waste & Resource Management System (WRMS). For 2026 reporting, NEA states that companies with turnover exceeding S$10 million in 2024 must report calendar year 2025 packaging data, with the submission window 01 Jan 2026 to 31 Mar 2026.

What needs to be reported?

Companies must submit three main components annually:

• Packaging Report (packaging data via NEA’s Excel template)
• Methodology Document (how you derived the numbers)
• 3R Plan (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle improvement plan)

Packaging data:

At a high level, you will provide data on packaging amounts by weight, broken down by:

• Packaging material (e.g., plastic, paper, metal, glass)
• Packaging form (e.g., carrier bags, bottles)

Packaging imported or used in Singapore is reported independent of whether it is disposed of or recycled. Recycling details can be added as additional information.

3R Plan:

Companies are required to develop and submit packaging 3R plans:

• Describe what actions they will take
• How success will be measured
• Targets they aim to achieve

Progress on these plans must be reported in the following years.

Start data collection and report early. 

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