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Hong Kong’s John Lee shrugs off criticism over single-use plastics ban, says ‘market forces’ will lead to better utensils
- Chief Executive John Lee says administration’s main concerns are steady supply of alternative products and affordability for consumers
- Some have complained over quality of products replacing single-use plastics, such as paper straws that turn soggy quickly, after ban came into effect on Monday
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Hong Kong’s leader has shrugged off criticism from some residents over a new ban on single-use plastics, voicing optimism that better replacement utensils will be developed as the market adapts.
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Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday his administration’s main concerns were the steady supply of replacement products and affordability for consumers.
“At the start, residents will need to adjust their behaviour to a certain extent. I think this is necessary in our common effort to push the concept of environmentalism,” he told reporters before his weekly meeting with the key decision-making Executive Council.
“Overall, I don’t think everyone needs to change to the extent that it greatly affects their daily lives.”
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The first phase of the ban took effect on Monday and covers styrofoam products and throwaway plastic utensils such as cutlery and straws prohibited for takeaway purchases. Single-use plastic tableware is no longer available to patrons dining in.
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