Food Container Suppliers in S’pore Worried That High Demand for Containers Might Lead to Shortage

By
Shawn Ambrose
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The Covid-19 outbreak has led to a shortage of many things, like toilet paper, surgical masks, and kindness.

But now it’s not the citizens who are freaking out about a perceived scarcity of a product; some companies are worried that they’ll run out of stock to supply to their customers.

Why? Because of panic buying.

Reader: *sighs* Humans, am I right?

Oh, this time it’s not humans, dear reader. This time, it’s F&B establishments that are panic buying.

Food Container Suppliers in S’pore Worried That High Demand for Containers Might Lead to Shortage

If you’ve purchased a takeaway meal from a hawker centre, you’ve probably seen this:

Image: Cleo Singapore

Reader: Cai Png?

What? No. And by the way that was Nasi Lemak.

Reader: Oh, the ladyfinger threw me off

I was talking about takeaway containers. To customers, it probably seems like food stalls have a magically infinite supply of these containers, but they actually have to order it from suppliers.

And now, with more people buying takeaway meals during the circuit breaker period as dining in is not allowed, some food container suppliers have expressed concern about keeping up with the increased demand.

Speaking to CNA, director of New Modern Metal & Plastics Stephanie Ng said her company had stocked up a one-month supply in anticipation of the new circuit breaker measures.

“Last week, I already communicated with the manufacturers in Malaysia to focus on the essential items (used in food takeaways),” said Ms Ng.

Preparing for this surge was smart, because her company has seen about a 30 per cent increase in demand for their food containers.

Why? Well, in scientific terms, it’s because of the feeling of uncontrollable anxiety which leads to impulsive purchases, but you probably know it as:

Panic Buying

According to Priscilla Ng, the operations director of Dillic International, much of this increased demand comes from food and beverage (F&B) outlets “panic buying”.

Since the announcement of the circuit breaker, demand for their generic food packaging has increased by 30 per cent, while demand for their customised food packaging has increased by 5 per cent.

Image: Giphy

A Future Shortage

Even though the company stocked enough to last through March, and their regular supply from China has resumed, Ms Ng still foresees a shortage of food containers in the upcoming weeks.

And while some F&B outlets are not too worried about this, others are already having difficulties getting supplies.

Popular cafe Wheeler’s Yard said it was having difficulties getting hold of additional stock from suppliers, although they are not actively putting in orders.

The cafe reached out to four suppliers, but some have responded to say that supplies might be delayed, or that they will be slower to respond because of a manpower crunch.

Amanda Ong, the general manager of Wheeler’s Yard, said that she did not expect a shortage of food containers, however, as she could ask her friends in the F&B industry for support.

There is one very simple solution to this problem, though:

Bring Your Own Container

Forget BYOB, BYOC should be the acronym on everyone’s mind during the circuit breaker period.

Bringing your own container not only makes it easier for the stall owners, but it’s also better for the environment.

Environmentally-unfriendly Reader: Meh, the environment can save itself

You’ll also save about 20 cents per purchase.

Environmentally-unfriendly Reader: Ah, now you’re speaking my language

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Shawn Ambrose
Email: [email protected]