Supported by the Environment and Conservation Fund and in partnership with foodpanda Hong Kong, WWF-Hong Kong proudly presents the first-ever closed-loop reusable packaging pilot programme. The aim is to tackle the single-use plastic problem from a new angle.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, food delivery services have proliferated, which has led to a drastic increase in the use of single-use plastic containers. This pilot scheme aims to drive consumer behavioural change by encouraging people to choose a greener option. When ordering food for delivery, customers can select reusable containers and return them to tailor-made collection machines deployed across Hong Kong Island. This first-of-its-kind large-scale programme encourages reducing waste at source and promotes a circular economy that advances the “No Plastic in Nature” by 2030 vision.

PLASTIC ACTION INITIATIVE

Studies from Coastal Watch have found polystyrene fragments to be among the top 10 of most common types of marine litter in Hong Kong. One of the sources of polystyrene fragments is the boxes commonly used by the fishery and seafood industry.

Polystyrene is fragile and light. It breaks into small pieces easily and is carried away swiftly by wind and water currents, hence affecting large areas of the coastline that are difficult to clean. Polystyrene also has a high thermal insulation capacity, which is ideal for keeping fish fresh during transport and is therefore widely adopted by the fishery and seafood industry. Due to the fragile nature of the fish boxes, fragments are often broken off during operations and enter the sea easily. Their operations are in close proximity to the sea, any accidental leakage or intentional dumping of fish boxes into the sea causes much contamination.

WWF is working with the industry to study feasible alternatives to polystyrene fish boxes. WWF is also seeking the industry’s input on improving fish box-collection methods to reduce dumping into the sea.

A clean and healthy sea allows marine recreational businesses to thrive and allows for the enjoyment of sea-goers. However, seaside leisure activities tend to create significant litter and have been identified as among the sources of our marine litter, which increases from May and peaks in August, coinciding with the peak season of marine recreational activities. Increased rainfalls in the summer months also contribute to the problem by washing seaside litter into the sea.
 
In April 2017, WWF launched the “ECF Sea Without Litter” project, involving more than 30 marine recreational groups and businesses. Participating groups helped educate their staff, members and customers about marine litter and invited them to help clean up the sea. The groups were also encouraged to improve their operations, such as sorting and recycling their waste and to replace disposable tableware and cutlery with reusable ones.
 
While floating litter and those at shore are relatively accessible for general clean-up, underwater litter require the help of divers.
 
WWF cooperates with the AFCD and the Hong Kong Reef Check to engage reef check teams and volunteer divers to conduct surveys on underwater litter. Mesh bags are provided to divers for them to pick up litter during dives.