Four fast-food chains lead charging pack

Four major fast-food chains have started charging customers for eco-friendly cutlery, ranging from HK$1 to HK$2 per set. But the utensils are free at McDonald's.

Fairwood restaurant chain is charging the highest for a pack of reusable stainless steel cutlery - comprising a knife, spoon and fork at HK$2.

In terms of materials, all five fast-food chains are resorting to alternatives, many made from wood, bamboo, paper and bagasse pulp.

Among them, Maxim's MX provides utensils made of bagasse pulp and wood, including paper straws.

Maxim's MX, Fairwood and Cafe de Coral provide wooden chopsticks and wooden knives.

Tam Jai Yunnan Mixian, which specializes in soups and noodles, provides paper spoons with depth, making it more convenient.

All five fast-food chains had already switched to paper straws and wooden stirrers. Even after submerging the paper straws in cold drinks for more than 30 minutes, they reportedly maintained their shape.