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Throwaway plastics ban a boon for Hong Kong’s sustainable packaging firms as restaurants go green

  • Sustainable packaging firms have seen an increase in business as more food and drink companies opt for environmentally-friendly alternatives
  • Authorities introduced a throwaway plastics ban on April 22 , covering utensils such as cutlery and straws offered by takeaway outlets

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Sustainabl. Planet saw a 20 to 25 per cent jump in new customers and sales in the first quarter of the year, compared to the same period in 2023. Photo: Sustainabl. Planet
Martin Choi
Sustainable packaging firms in Hong Kong are enjoying an increase in business as the recent ban on disposable plastic takeaway containers has pushed the city’s food and drink companies to opt for more environmentally-friendly alternatives.
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Sustainabl. Planet, which provides plastic-free packaging for restaurants, hotels and other businesses, saw a 20 to 25 per cent jump in new customers and sales in the first quarter of the year, compared to the same period in 2023.

“We have certainly seen a significant increase in inquiries from food and beverage vendors looking for plastic-free packaging solutions leading up to the new regulations commencing on 22 April,” said Richard Oliver, founder and CEO of Sustainabl. Planet in an interview.

“We have been offering free consultations to food and beverage vendors to review their current packaging alongside the new requirements and providing ‘truly’ sustainable plastic-free packaging alternatives to ensure they comply with the new regulations.”

Environmental authorities introduced a throwaway plastic ban on April 22, covering styrofoam products and utensils such as cutlery and straws offered by takeaway outlets. Dine-in customers will also no longer be able to use single-use plastic cups or boxes under the policy.

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Testing out eco-friendly utensils for takeaway food under Hong Kong’s single-use plastic ban

Testing out eco-friendly utensils for takeaway food under Hong Kong’s single-use plastic ban

“Reducing plastic waste has all along been an international consensus, taking into account the negative impact brought about by plastic pollution,” said Diane Wong Shuk-han, the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, speaking at Greenway 2024, a climate change conference held in Hong Kong on April 29.

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