Maxim’s and 7-Eleven launch eco-friendly foods from recycled waste

Maxim’s Group has teamed up with Hung Yat Farm and 7-Eleven to transform kitchen scraps into eco-friendly crops, launching a groundbreaking initiative that promotes sustainable agriculture and reduces waste. 

Through the “WeGen farming” program, the collaboration converts pre-consumer food waste, like fruit peels and coffee grounds, into nutrient-rich enzymes that grow high-quality, pesticide-free produce for restaurants and retail.

Since its launch in 2024 across over 70 Maxim’s outlets, the program has processed over 48 tonnes of waste, including strawberry tops and coffee grounds, into bio-enzymes. These enhance crops like cherry tomatoes and pumpkins at Hung Yat Farm, improving soil health and boosting yields without chemical fertilizers. 

The initiative has also shown promise in aquaculture, with trials revealing that enzyme-enhanced fish feed increases growth and disease resistance, potentially cutting costs and environmental impact. 

Research from Lingnan University highlights how these enzymes improve plant health, even preventing fungal diseases like those that plagued Australian tomato crops last year.

The environmental benefits are significant. An independent study found that locally grown produce, such as lettuce and tomatoes, cuts carbon emissions by up to 51% compared to imported alternatives, thanks to shorter transport distances and reduced landfill waste. 

The program has already avoided 43 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, supporting Hong Kong’s sustainability goals.

In a new retail push, 7-Eleven joined forces with Maxim’s to create three “Grounds to Goodness” products using regeneratively farmed bitter melon and pumpkin. These include pumpkin soup, fried rice with chicken and salted egg, and bitter melon with beef rice, now available at all 7-Eleven stores. 

Building on a previous collaboration that turned coffee grounds into beer, this effort underscores both companies’ commitment to circular economy practices.

By transforming waste into valuable resources, Maxim’s and 7-Eleven are setting a new standard for sustainable food production in Hong Kong, offering healthier products while reducing environmental impact.