Singapore's A*STAR and SMX Lead Drive for World's First Plastics Passport Program
Security Matters (NASDAQ:SMX) has announced a strategic partnership with Singapore's A*STAR to launch the world's first national plastic circularity platform. The initiative combines SMX's molecular marking technology with A*STAR's advanced research capabilities to create a comprehensive plastic tracking system.
The program will launch in Phase 1 with capacity to track 5,000 tonnes of post-consumer plastics annually, starting with semi-industrial integration in Q1 2026 and full-scale commercial showcase in Q2 2027. The system will enable tracking plastics from manufacturing to recycling using molecular "barcodes" and blockchain technology.
The partnership aims to transform Singapore's plastic recycling rate from its current 6% to over 36%, potentially creating S$100 million in annual value through reduced incineration costs and PCR sales. The initiative includes the innovative Plastic Cycle Token (PCT), a digital asset backed by verified recycled plastic, designed to replace traditional carbon credits.
Security Matters (NASDAQ:SMX) ha annunciato una partnership strategica con l'A*STAR di Singapore per lanciare la prima piattaforma nazionale al mondo per la circolarità della plastica. L'iniziativa unisce la tecnologia di marcatura molecolare di SMX alle avanzate capacità di ricerca di A*STAR per creare un sistema completo di tracciamento della plastica.
La fase 1 del programma avrà la capacità di tracciare 5.000 tonnellate di plastica post-consumo all'anno, con integrazione semi-industriale prevista per il primo trimestre 2026 e dimostrazione commerciale su larga scala nel secondo trimestre 2027. Il sistema permetterà di seguire la plastica dalla produzione al riciclo mediante "codici a barre" molecolari e tecnologia blockchain.
La partnership punta ad aumentare il tasso di riciclo della plastica di Singapore dall'attuale 6% oltre il 36%, generando potenzialmente 100 milioni di dollari di Singapore di valore annuo grazie alla riduzione dei costi di incenerimento e alle vendite di PCR. L'iniziativa comprende inoltre il nuovo Plastic Cycle Token (PCT), un asset digitale garantito da plastica riciclata verificata, pensato come alternativa ai tradizionali crediti di carbonio.
Security Matters (NASDAQ:SMX) ha anunciado una alianza estratégica con A*STAR de Singapur para lanzar la primera plataforma nacional del mundo para la circularidad del plástico. La iniciativa combina la tecnología de marcado molecular de SMX con las capacidades de investigación avanzada de A*STAR para crear un sistema integral de seguimiento del plástico.
La Fase 1 del programa tendrá capacidad para rastrear 5.000 toneladas de plástico posconsumo al año, comenzando con una integración semiindustrial en el primer trimestre de 2026 y una demostración comercial a gran escala en el segundo trimestre de 2027. El sistema permitirá el rastreo del plástico desde la fabricación hasta el reciclaje mediante "códigos de barras" moleculares y tecnología blockchain.
La asociación pretende aumentar la tasa de reciclaje de plástico de Singapur del actual 6% a más del 36%, creando potencialmente 100 millones de dólares de Singapur en valor anual a través de la reducción de costes de incineración y de las ventas de PCR. La iniciativa incluye además el innovador Plastic Cycle Token (PCT), un activo digital respaldado por plástico reciclado verificado, diseñado para sustituir a los créditos de carbono tradicionales.
Security Matters (NASDAQ:SMX)는 싱가포르의 A*STAR와 전략적 파트너십을 발표하고 세계 최초의 국가 단위 플라스틱 순환 플랫폼을 출범합니다. 이 사업은 SMX의 분자 표식 기술과 A*STAR의 첨단 연구 역량을 결합해 종합적인 플라스틱 추적 시스템을 구축합니다.
프로그램은 연간 5,000톤의 소비후 플라스틱을 추적할 수 있는 1단계로 시작되며, 2026년 1분기 반(半)산업적 통합을 거쳐 2027년 2분기 전면 상업 시연을 목표로 합니다. 이 시스템은 분자 "바코드"와 블록체인 기술을 이용해 제조부터 재활용까지 플라스틱을 추적할 수 있게 합니다.
파트너십은 싱가포르의 플라스틱 재활용률을 현재 6%에서 36% 이상으로 끌어올려 소각 비용 절감과 PCR 판매를 통해 연간 잠재적으로 S$1억의 가치를 창출하는 것을 목표로 합니다. 또한 이 이니셔티브에는 검증된 재활용 플라스틱을 담보로 하는 디지털 자산인 혁신적 Plastic Cycle Token (PCT)이 포함되어 기존의 탄소배출권을 대체할 계획입니다.
Security Matters (NASDAQ:SMX) a annoncé un partenariat stratégique avec l'A*STAR de Singapour pour lancer la première plateforme nationale mondiale dédiée à la circularité des plastiques. L'initiative associe la technologie de marquage moléculaire de SMX aux capacités de recherche avancées d'A*STAR afin de créer un système complet de traçabilité des plastiques.
La Phase 1 du programme disposera d'une capacité de suivi de 5 000 tonnes de plastiques post-consommation par an, avec une intégration semi-industrielle prévue au 1er trimestre 2026 et une démonstration commerciale à grande échelle au 2e trimestre 2027. Le système permettra de suivre les plastiques de la production au recyclage grâce à des "codes-barres" moléculaires et à la technologie blockchain.
Le partenariat vise à faire passer le taux de recyclage des plastiques à Singapour de 6% à plus de 36%, créant potentiellement 100 millions de S$ de valeur annuelle via la réduction des coûts d'incinération et les ventes de PCR. L'initiative inclut également le Plastic Cycle Token (PCT), un actif numérique adossé à du plastique recyclé vérifié, conçu pour remplacer les crédits carbone traditionnels.
Security Matters (NASDAQ:SMX) hat eine strategische Partnerschaft mit Singapurs A*STAR angekündigt, um die weltweit erste nationale Plattform für Plastikkreislaufwirtschaft zu starten. Die Initiative verbindet SMX' molekulare Markierungstechnologie mit A*STARs fortschrittlicher Forschung, um ein umfassendes Plastik-Tracking-System zu schaffen.
Phase 1 des Programms wird die Kapazität haben, jährlich 5.000 Tonnen post-consumer Plastik zu verfolgen, beginnend mit halb-industrieller Integration im ersten Quartal 2026 und einer voll kommerziellen Demonstration im zweiten Quartal 2027. Das System ermöglicht die Nachverfolgung von Plastik von der Herstellung bis zum Recycling mittels molekularer "Barcode"-Marker und Blockchain-Technologie.
Die Partnerschaft zielt darauf ab, Singapurs Recyclingquote für Plastik von derzeit 6% auf über 36% zu erhöhen und dadurch potenziell S$100 Millionen jährlichen Wert durch geringere Verbrennungskosten und PCR-Verkäufe zu schaffen. Bestandteil der Initiative ist auch der innovative Plastic Cycle Token (PCT), ein digitales Asset, das durch verifizierten Recycling-Kunststoff gedeckt ist und traditionelle CO2-Zertifikate ersetzen soll.
- Partnership could generate S$100 million in annual value through reduced incineration costs and PCR sales
- Technology enables 5-15% premium pricing for verified PCR over virgin polymer
- Addressable market of S$4.2 billion annually when replicated across ASEAN
- Introduction of tradeable Plastic Cycle Token (PCT) creates new revenue stream
- Strategic timing aligns with upcoming extended producer responsibility mandates
- Significant infrastructure investment required for full implementation
- Current low recycling rate of 6% indicates substantial operational challenges
- Extended timeline to full commercial showcase (Q2 2027) may delay revenue generation
- Success depends on voluntary participation from multiple industry stakeholders
Insights
SMX partners with Singapore's A*STAR to launch an innovative plastics traceability system that could transform recycling economics and unlock new revenue streams.
This partnership positions SMX at the forefront of solving a critical waste management challenge in Singapore, where currently 94% of the 957,000 tonnes of plastic generated annually is incinerated rather than recycled. The collaboration combines SMX's molecular marking technology with A*STAR's research capabilities to create what's effectively a digital passport for plastics - enabling tracking from production through recycling.
The multi-phase implementation will begin with tracking 5,000 tonnes of post-consumer plastic waste, with semi-industrial integration starting in Q1 2026 and full-scale commercial deployment by Q2 2027. This timeline strategically aligns with upcoming extended producer responsibility mandates, positioning SMX's technology as a compliance solution for brands and manufacturers.
What makes this particularly significant is the economic model behind the initiative. The press release quantifies the potential value: if just one-third of Singapore's plastic waste were captured using SMX's technology, it would avoid approximately S$27 million in annual incineration fees while creating S$75 million in saleable certified post-consumer resin - representing a S$100+ million annual opportunity.
Beyond Singapore, the partnership targets an addressable market of S$4.2 billion annually across ASEAN. The introduction of the Plastic Cycle Token (PCT) - a blockchain-based digital asset tied to verified recycled plastic - creates an additional monetization channel that could eventually replace traditional carbon credits with a more measurable, traceable system.
This represents a significant commercial application of SMX's technology, with clear revenue potential from both the traceability platform and the digital token ecosystem. The partnership with a government research agency adds credibility while positioning SMX's solution as infrastructure for regulatory compliance in a market where recycled content mandates are becoming increasingly common.
Flagship programme will demonstrate molecular‑level traceability from waste collection to high‑value recycled resin, advancing Singapore's Zero Waste Masterplan and reinforcing regional circular‑economy leadership.
NEW YORK, NY AND SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE / ACCESS Newswire / September 2, 2025 / Security Matters PLC (NASDAQ:SMX; SMXWW), the pioneer of "physical‑to‑digital" supply‑chain solutions, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore's lead public sector research and development (R&D) agency, today announced a strategic collaboration to pilot a national plastic circularity platform in partnership with leading brands, producers, manufacturers, waste collectors, recyclers and retailers.
This partnership combines SMX's chemical molecular marking technology, patented reader and blockchain-based traceability platform with A*STAR's cutting-edge digital, advanced chemical spectroscopic detection and profiling research capabilities, creating an intelligent system to permanently mark, track and analyse plastics through their entire lifecycle-from manufacturing to recycling. By enabling every plastic item to carry a secure digital record of its origin, composition, and reuse cycles, the initiative aims to greatly enhance transparency and efficiency in recycling - supporting Singapore's vision of a sustainable, circular economy
This multi‑year partnership will integrate SMX's invisible molecular markers, readers and blockchain ledger with blockchain, AI, advanced chemical spectroscopic detection and material profiling research capabilities from A*STAR, creating an auditable digital twin and AI system for post‑consumer plastic flows across Singapore's collection, sorting and recycling ecosystem.
Collaboration Highlights
Phase 1 will launch the first nationwide "digital passport" for plastics, dynamically tagging and tracing more than 5 000 tonnes of postconsumer flexible and rigid waste in real time. Semi-industrial integration starts in Q1 2026, and a full scale commercial showcase is slated for Q2 2027-deliberately timed to provide industry with a turnkey compliance pathway ahead of impending extended producer responsibility mandates, with an end-stage capacity to tag and trace more than 5,000 tonnes of post-consumer plastics annually.
The full-scale commercial tagging and tracing stage is envisioned to be powered by a coalition of global and local brands, regional retailers, resin producers, converters and recyclers - unlocking high‑value, mechanically recycled feedstock and demonstrating that true circularity is mission‑critical to economic resilience.
Strategic Value & Market Context
Singapore currently incinerates 94 % of the 957 000 tonnes of plastic it generates each year, recycling just 6 % - a costly gap that burns value as well as waste. If only one-third of that stream were captured in an SMX-verified loop, the nation would avoid roughly S
The partnership between SMX and A*STAR is designed to flip that equation at scale. By embedding chemical molecular "barcodes" in every pellet and logging each hand-off on blockchain, the partners aim to lift regional recycling rates by more than 30 % and halve landfill or ash-fill volumes by 2030. When replicated across ASEAN, the same architecture unlocks an addressable market of ≈ S
Plastic Cycle Token - Turning Data into Value
Each SMX-verified kilogram of recycled plastic will also be wrapped in a Plastic Cycle Token (PCT), a tradeable digital asset backed one-for-one by the molecular marker and its on-chain audit trail. The Plastic Cycle Token (PCT) is engineered to supersede traditional carbon credits - enabling recyclers to monetise verified recycled output, brands to hedge compliance risk, and investors to back measurable circularity
Demand signals are loud and cross-sectoral. FMCG, food-grade packaging, electronics and automotive brands across China, India, Indonesia, Japan and Singapore are already specifying minimum-PCR thresholds and treating traceability as insurance against compliance shocks and brand-equity risk. In markets with real enforcement, verified PCR now commands a 5-15 % premium over virgin polymer, a spread expected to widen as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes tighten.
Against that backdrop, Phase 1 of the collaboration will create a nationwide digital passport for plastics, tagging and tracing thousands of tonnes of flexible and rigid waste in real time. The data stream will give producers a turnkey path to comply with Singapore's Mandatory Packaging Reporting rules and forthcoming recycled-content mandates, while supplying recyclers with higher-value, mechanically recycled feedstock. In short, true circularity is no longer a nice-to-have - it is mission-critical to economic resilience and regional competitiveness.
Haggai Alon, Founder & CEO, SMX: "As Singapore marks 60 years of independence, it continues to prove that long-range planning, turns constraints into catalysts for growth.
Together with A*STAR and our industry partners, we are building a bridge from Semakauto Jurong Island - transforming what was once a disposal endpoint into a high-value feedstock stream. This programme adds a new layer to Singapore's leadership in technology and sustainability and places a powerful tool in the region's master toolbox as Asia drives global growth.
True circularity is driven by smart execution and adaptability. This is the first stage of a long-term plan-anchored by molecular traceability that converts waste into a verified commodity, and through the Plastic Cycle Token, a market instrument engineered to supersede traditional carbon credits with something measurable, auditable and economically useful."
Professor Lim Keng Hui, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the Science & Engineering Research Council, A*STAR: "This collaboration exemplifies A*STAR's mission to translate cutting‑edge research into impactful, sustainable solutions. Together with SMX, we will harness science and engineering to close the plastics loop and strengthen Singapore's position as a global circularity hub."
References
National Environment Agency (NEA). Waste & Recycling Statistics 2014 - 2023. Singapore: NEA; 2024.
Shunpoly.com. "How Much Plastic Is Wasted Each Year in Singapore?" Accessed 5 August 2025.
National Environment Agency (NEA). Waste-Statistics & Overall Recycling (interactive dashboard). Updated 2024; accessed 5 August 2025.
National Environment Agency (NEA). Mandatory Packaging Reporting portal. Accessed 5 August 2025.
Singapore Statutes Online. Environmental Public Health (Public Cleansing) Regulations - Incineration gate-fee schedule; revised 2024.
National Environment Agency (NEA). "New Licensing Regime for General Waste Disposal Facilities." Technical brief & dialogue-session slides; 2024.
Nasdaq.com. "SMX Announces Planned Launch of World's First Plastic Cycle Token." Press release; 2024.
Yahoo! Finance. "SMX Plastic Cycle Token Is a Functional Market-Driven Solution…" News article; 2024.
Los Angeles Tribune. "Carbon Credits Had Their Day… Now the SMX Plastic Cycle Token…" Feature article; 2025.
National Environment Agency (NEA). Refuse Collection Fees for Households. Revised 2024; accessed 5 August 2025.
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About SMX
As global businesses face new and complex challenges relating to carbon neutrality and meeting new governmental and regional regulations and standards, SMX is able to offer players along the value chain access to its marking, tracking, measuring and digital platform technology to transition more successfully to a low-carbon economy.
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The information in this press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intends," "may," "will," "might," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "would" and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this press release may include, for example: matters relating to the Company's fight against abusive and possibly illegal trading tactics against the Company's stock; successful launch and implementation of SMX's joint projects with manufacturers and other supply chain participants of steel, rubber and other materials; changes in SMX's strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans; SMX's ability to develop and launch new products and services, including its planned Plastic Cycle Token; SMX's ability to successfully and efficiently integrate future expansion plans and opportunities; SMX's ability to grow its business in a cost-effective manner; SMX's product development timeline and estimated research and development costs; the implementation, market acceptance and success of SMX's business model; developments and projections relating to SMX's competitors and industry; and SMX's approach and goals with respect to technology. These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this press release, and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing views as of any subsequent date, and no obligation is undertaken to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the ability to maintain the listing of the Company's shares on Nasdaq; changes in applicable laws or regulations; any lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on SMX's business; the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and identify and realize additional opportunities; the risk of downturns and the possibility of rapid change in the highly competitive industry in which SMX operates; the risk that SMX and its current and future collaborators are unable to successfully develop and commercialize SMX's products or services, or experience significant delays in doing so; the risk that the Company may never achieve or sustain profitability; the risk that the Company will need to raise additional capital to execute its business plan, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the risk that the Company experiences difficulties in managing its growth and expanding operations; the risk that third-party suppliers and manufacturers are not able to fully and timely meet their obligations; the risk that SMX is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property; the possibility that SMX may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and other risks and uncertainties described in SMX's filings from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE: SMX (Security Matters)
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FAQ
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