Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan today launched the Packaging Reduction Charter to encourage businesses to reduce their packaging usage and foster a waste reduction culture in commercial activities.

Speaking at the charter’s launch ceremony, Mr Tse said that most packaging materials are discarded after single or limited use, placing a significant burden on the environment.

"The launch of the Packaging Reduction Charter aims to encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices, including reviewing packaging designs to minimise unnecessary material usage, enhancing the recyclability and reusability of packaging as well as exploring innovative solutions.

“These efforts not only alleviate the pressure on landfills, but also help businesses fulfil their social responsibilities, contributing to Hong Kong's long-term goals of 'zero landfill' and carbon neutrality."

The signatory companies undertake to submit to the Environmental Protection Department their annual total packaging material usage, implement measures to reduce packaging or adopt sustainable packaging solutions as well as encourage upstream and downstream suppliers, business partners and customers to reduce packaging materials and enhance packaging management.

So far, 102 local and multinational companies have undertaken the initiative. The department has published practical guides for specific sectors, covering supermarkets and grocery stores, logistics, e-commerce, hotel and hospitality, electronics and electrical appliances, beverage manufacturing, food manufacturing, and importers.

For enquiries, contact the charter's secretariat at 5279 1936 or by email.