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Hong Kong’s single-use plastics ban: suppliers of eco-friendly tableware urge patience amid concerns over quality

  • Four companies call for caterers to learn more about alternative tableware amid single-use plastics ban, using press conference to show quality of goods
  • Firm representatives slice meat, puncture bubble tea lids with plant and paper-based utensils, but not entirely without hiccups

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An eco-friendly spoon used for rice. The products of all the suppliers are listed on the government’s Green Tableware Platform. Photo: Edmond So
Suppliers of eco-friendly disposable tableware have asked Hongkongers to be patient after some residents complained the items offered as an alternative to banned single-use plastics failed to do the job.
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The companies on Thursday urged the catering industry to learn more about non-plastic tableware and use appropriate items for the food being served as they demonstrated their alternatives, although not without some hiccups.

Among the representatives of the four companies was George Chen Dah-ren, CEO of Ecoinno (HK), which specialises in developing non-plastic products using plant fibre materials.

“We are very used to plastics, but we need to get used to a world without plastics,” he said. “We should become more familiar with these products, and give the market opportunities to explore them and then select suitable products … and users should be more patient and supportive to allow the industry to gradually change and achieve a common goal.”

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During a press conference, all four suppliers gave demonstrations of their products, which included cutlery, straws and containers made of wood, bamboo or paper.

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