SINGAPORE, 21 MARCH 2023 — EZ-Link today unveiled its latest charm product, created in collaboration with the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The first EZ-Link product made predominantly from renewable materials, the EZ-Link x Singapore Botanic Gardens Bamboo Charm marks the company’s shift towards more environmentally-friendly products and packaging.
As part of the launch, EZ-Link has also made a $5,000 donation to National Parks Board’s (NParks’) registered charity and Institution of Public Character (IPC), Garden City Fund to support the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ ongoing research, conservation, education and outreach efforts through the Give to the Gardens programme.
“At EZ-Link, we understand the importance of doing our part for the environment, and have been exploring the feasibility of replacing plastics with renewable materials like bamboo in our products and their packaging since the beginning of 2022. The launch of this charm is the result of rounds of research, tests and discussions with our production partners. It is part of our continued efforts towards becoming a more sustainable organisation, and we will continue to look into ways to incorporate alternative, eco-friendly materials in more of our products and packaging in the future,” said Nicholas Lee, Chief Executive Officer of EZ-Link.
The EZ-Link x Singapore Botanic Gardens Bamboo Charm’s design features the seed from the Dipterocarpus Chartaceus, which can be seen at the Singapore Botanic Gardens Rainforest and Gallop Extension. Native to Singapore, the hardwood tree together with other Dipterocarps are dominant species in tropical lowland rainforests.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to work with partners like EZ-Link; the bamboo charm collaboration is a good example of community partnership that supports the Gardens’ mission of connecting people with plants by enabling us to showcase our native plant species to the mass community. At the same time, the funds raised from this project will also help the Gardens’ efforts in research, conservation, education and recreation. We hope EZ-Link’s support will inspire both individuals and organisations to contribute generously to the Singapore Botanic Gardens and its programmes,” said Professor Leo Tan, Chairman of Garden City Fund.
In line with the overarching theme of reducing environmental impact, the charm is packaged in a recyclable kraft envelope instead of a plastic blister pack. Similar to the EZ-Link card, the EZ-Link x Singapore Botanic Gardens Bamboo Charm can be used for contactless payments on public transport as well as over 4,500 retail merchants islandwide. Users can also add their charm to the EZ-Link app for additional features like auto top-up and EZ-Link Rewards.
The charm is available for purchase from 1pm today for S$18.90 (without load value), at the following EZ-Link vending machines:
- Bugis Junction: Level 1 Bugis Shelter
- Bishan Junction 8 Shopping Centre: Level 1, next to Citibank ATM
- Westgate: Level 1, outside Sephora
- Tampines Mall: Level 2, next to Converse
- Compass One: Level 1, outside 7-Eleven
Members of the public can also support and contribute to Garden City Fund’s Give to the Gardens programme by donating at go.gov.sg/gttg.
About EZ-Link Pte Ltd
Established in 2002, EZ-Link is a pioneer in contactless payments in Singapore with the EZ-Link card being its core product offering. EZ-Link remains the top choice for contactless prepaid card payment in Singapore with more than 40 million cards issued to date. Synonymous with transit payments in Singapore, EZ-Link has since expanded its offerings and is widely used for shopping, dining, private transport, government services, and community services at more than 30,000 acceptance points across the island. EZ-Link continues to be at the forefront of digital inclusion, bringing all Singaporeans, young and old, onto the nation’s cashless journey. For more information, please visit www.ezlink.com.sg.
Media Contacts
Junie Lee / John Khew Janice Xu
RICE Communications EZ-Link Pte Ltd
Email: ezlink@ricecomms.com Email: janicexu@ezlink.com.sg