The Environmental Protection Department has updated the list of green lunch suppliers to prevent schools from being misled by unscrupulous caterers.

In the absence of the Secretary for Environment, Secretary for Development Carrie Lam told lawmakers today the Environmental Protection Department recently issued questionnaires to lunch suppliers.

The department listed the green lunch suppliers that provide centralised lunch distribution services and lunch packed in reusable containers. Suppliers who use polypropylene containers have to make arrangements to recycle the lunchboxes.

Guidelines for schools to implement green lunches, with the new lunch suppliers' list, have been distributed to all schools. The department hopes the formulation of guidelines will facilitate schools to further implement green lunches.

The Environmental Protection Department, the Environmental Campaign Committee and the Education Bureau have jointly produced a new promotion video which has been distributed to schools. It helps schools understand the definition, requirements, implementation methods as well as the environmental and other benefits of green lunches.

The Government estimates that the number of primary schools using disposable lunchboxes has dropped from 75% in 2004 to about 42% in 2006.

It will continue to promote and disseminate the green lunch message by formulating guidelines, holding talks, distributing promotional leaflets and video.