The Green Lab, a 200,000sq ft facility, will provide sustainable solutions for businesses, such as customizable biodegradable plastic bags and compostable cutlery for food and beverage companies.

It also aims to supply clients further afield in the ASEAN region.

Green Lab was launched by Singapore print agency Print Lab and Times Printers, a member of Times Publishing Group. F&B and publishing giant Fraser & Neave owns a 60 per cent stake in Green Lab through its publishing arm, Times Publishing.

The plant uses fully automated machines to make highly customisable biodegradable paper bags.

It will also produce some of Singapore’s first fully compostable plant-based bags, which can be used as an alternative to plastic carrier bags.

The facility will also serve as the first print agency to fully integrate the use of PVC-free banners and stickers as the base product for clients, and will provide a one-stop shop for fully compostable packaging for F&B firms.

Among the products will be a completely biodegradable and compostable bag called the Cassa180, made entirely from recycled industrial waste cassava roots.

The bag takes three minutes to disintegrate in hot water, or 180 days if simply left out in a backyard.

Green Lab will be a supplier of packaging made with Kraft paper, which is fully recycled or produced through sustainably sourced materials.