'Made in Prison' products gain popularity as online sales platform launches

An online charity platform that offers products designed and produced by inmates has garnered favorable feedback from the public. 

The platform, Made in Prison, offers a variety of products including woodenware, ornaments, stationery, rattan products, and daily necessities.

The initiative was launched in January by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) Sports Association, aiming to support rehabilitation efforts and provide a creative outlet for inmates.

CSD emphasized that all proceeds from sales, after covering essential expenses, will be donated to a range of local registered charities.

It also noted that some products sold out on the first day of release, and it expressed hope to attract more customers in the future, enabling more charitable organizations to benefit.

Meanwhile, the department announced on February 7 a partnership with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to introduce green measures by applying PolyU's scientific research results in correctional work.

The first phase of the collaboration involves applying PolyU's patented technology to produce 3D printing materials using spent coffee grounds, according to Ng Chiu-kok, Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Rehabilitation and Management).

Ng highlighted that these materials will be used in the production work of inmates, and the resulting products will be available for sale on the Made in Prison platform.

PolyU will also provide vocational training in product design for inmates to develop more environmentally friendly products using spent coffee grounds, enhancing their employability after release.

According to the CSD's statistics, there were an average of 4,900 inmates last year engaged in industrial production across approximately 130 institutional workshops, providing various products and services with a total commercial value of HK$465 million.