Eco Expo Asia launches at AsiaWorld-Expo to showcase innovations in green technology to achieve dual carbon objectives

Eco Expo Asia 2024, a pivotal event for showcasing green technology and innovation, is taking place from October 30 to November 2 at AsiaWorld-Expo.

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, and co-organized by the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), this year’s event provides a dynamic platform for global collaboration in the fight against climate change. With over 300 exhibitors from 11 countries and regions participating, the Expo aims to foster innovation, collaboration, and progress towards achieving the dual carbon goals—carbon reduction and neutrality. Talks and workshops on the last day of the Expo will be open to the public for free.

Expanding global reach and participation

Eco Expo Asia 2024 features the participation from key players in environmental technology and policy, including exhibitors from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Singapore, Germany, Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, the United States and Canada. In a significant first, the Expo welcomes debut participation from China’s Anhui Province and Norway.

Themed ‘Fostering Green Innovations for Carbon Neutrality,’ the 19th edition of the Expo focuses on three key areas: ‘New Energy,’ ‘Waste Management and Circular Economy,’ and ‘ESG-related services.’ Together, these themes highlight the growing need for industries and governments to collaborate in meeting global carbon reduction goals.

Jenny Koo, HKTDC Assistant Executive Director, emphasised the importance of the Expo during a press conference. “In the face of climate change, countries and regions have been actively propelling carbon reduction policies and sustainable development. China, for instance, set carbon reduction and neutrality goals in 2020 and has been advocating for the development of new quality productive forces. The Hong Kong SAR Government is also committed to achieving carbon neutrality before 2050.” She believes that the Eco Expo Asia this year offers the opportunity for international exhibitors and industry professionals to present advanced innovations and technologies designed to achieve dual carbon objectives.

Global collaboration and dialogue at the Eco Asia Conference

Running alongside the exhibition, the Eco Asia Conference serves as a vital platform for government officials, industry experts, and business leaders to discuss the latest trends and solutions in green technology and sustainability. Key topics include energy projections, green building innovations, and the circular economy. The conference also welcomes officials from Belt and Road countries, including Malaysia, Laos, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, Brunei, and Vietnam, fostering cross-border collaboration in sustainability efforts.

The Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Department of the HKSAR Government, Fong Kin-wa, expressed optimism about the international collaboration at the Expo. “We hope the Eco Expo Asia could share with visitors and exhibitors from around the world, including Belt and Road countries and ASEAN countries, the latest green innovation for achieving carbon neutrality, with a view to promoting exchange and cooperation between governments and trade sectors on boosting green and low-carbon transformation, achieving sustainable development, and leading Hong Kong towards carbon neutrality.”

Spotlight on innovation: new energy and green technology

One of the key focuses of the Expo is ‘New Energy,’ as green energy technologies and sustainable transportation continue to gain momentum worldwide. Visitors can explore Hong Kong’s first hydrogen fuel cell street-cleaning vehicle, which is on display at the Environment and Ecology Bureau booth in conjunction with other HKSAR government units.

Furthermore, visitors are introduced to innovative fast charging solutions, such as mini wall-mounted EV chargers by Chun Yang International (HK) Company Ltd, which cater to diverse charging needs. The first Hydrogen Fuel Cell double-deck bus had already commenced trial in November 2023, and was deployed into passenger service in February this year. In order to let the public to experience the eco-friendlier and better-quality journey provided by the hydrogen bus, the Environmental Protection Department has arranged a hydrogen bus free rides around the Asia-World Expo (AWE) for participants on the second day of the Eco Expo Asia (October 31) and on Saturday (November 2). The entire bus journey lasts about 10 minutes, so bus enthusiasts shouldn’t miss it!

Waste management and circular economy: solutions for a greener future

Another focal point of the Expo is ‘Waste Management and Circular Economy.’ Smart Farming HK Ltd features fish feed made from food waste and its sustainable fish farming concept. Nanda (Hong Kong) Technology Corporation Ltd, a first-time exhibitor, showcases a food waste biodegradation machine that can process up to 36,000 kilograms of food waste daily.

The Expo will also host the inaugural Sustainable Restaurant Awards 2024, recognizing restaurants in Hong Kong’s food and beverage industry for their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. The awards reflect a growing emphasis on sustainability across multiple sectors, pushing businesses to integrate green practices into their operations.

The third focal point: rising demand for ESG-related services

With environmental, social, and governance (ESG) services gaining momentum globally, the Expo features leading consultancy and certification companies, including SGS Hong Kong Ltd, Intertek Testing Services Hong Kong Ltd, TUV Rheinland Hong Kong Ltd and BSI Pacific Ltd. These companies are presenting their testing and certification services as well as innovative ESG consulting and training programs.

China Energy Conservation & Environmental Protection (Hong Kong) Investment Co. Ltd also unveils its cutting-edge tool ESG AI, which leverages big data analytics to generate regulatory-compliant ESG reports in one click. This innovation highlights how data-driven solutions are transforming the ESG landscape, making it easier for businesses to meet sustainability targets.

Nurturing green talent and start-up innovations

Eco Expo Asia has long served as a launchpad for start-ups to showcase their latest green innovations. The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation displays products and technologies from 10 start-ups related to green transport, circular economy and energy efficiency.

In the popular Start-up Zone, exhibitor Ezygreenpak Ltd will demonstrate its patented water-soluble non-woven packaging material that can be completely dissolved in 90°C hot water without leaving any harmful residue.

Another innovative company, BSF Innovation Ltd, introduces an organic green building powder, consisting of fibre and calcium extracted from insect shells and food waste. This eco-friendly material can be blended with traditional building materials to make eco-bricks, reducing manufacturing process carbon emissions by around 40%.

Engaging the public in green living

On the final day of the Expo, November 2, a series of free public talks and workshops will encourage attendees to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. A key highlight will be the ‘Dialogue with the Secretary for Environment and Ecology,’ designed for school students. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in variety of green workshops and shop for green products at the Green Mart.