It's time to send waste packing, says action group

The "Zero Packaging Fiesta" plastic-free campaign will be held this weekend in Kwun Tong as the organizer said Hong Kong still lags behind Western countries in policy-making and promotion to reduce plastic packaging.

Greeners Action said packaging has become ingrained as a practice, as businesses value packaging aesthetics to catch consumers' attention. But this was found to have created excessive waste once the products are opened. And some packaging materials were found to be difficult to decompose, which puts a toll on landfills.

To raise awareness, the group established its first zero packaging shop "Greeners Fusion" in 2021 to promote an unpackaged shopping culture in the city. Customers would bring with them recyclable containers to purchase the amount they need.

Its executive director Angus Ho Hon-wai said the public have increasingly become more aware of the concept with an increase of package-free stores in the city over the past three years.

But Hong Kong still lags behind Western countries when it comes to policy-making and business cooperation relating to the issue, Ho said. In Canada, for example, its government has suggested 75 percent of vegetables and fruits be plastic-free by 2026, Ho said.

"The SAR government is imposing policies to reduce disposable plastic waste, but it's only limited to straws and bottles, not packaging," he said.

"Some supermarkets pack 80 to 90 percent of its fruits and vegetables, including pineapples and watermelons, which is nonsensical."

The group has communicated with supermarkets about implementing plastic-free policies, but the feedback was passive.

"ParknShop said suppliers would not change their supply line just to cater to the needs of a small city of 7 million people," Ho said.

"The small estate shop we run was able to convince suppliers to support packaging-free shopping. Some suppliers are also willing to change their operating mode."

Kwan Hong Bakery is one of the suppliers of Greeners Fusion and is known for its nostalgic Hong Kong snacks including "Phoenix Cookies."

Each product is separated by a reusable plastic bag and packaged in a paper box. They will be collected every one to two weeks by Greeners Fusion.

Located in Sham Shui Po for 43 years, shop owner Ng Chun-kong said most customers still prefer packaged products, with only around one in 100 bringing their own containers.

"Most customers are elderly. They prefer the items to be well-packaged to give as presents," Ng said.

"The cost of production is what I consider the most. If one day the packaging costs are too high that I cannot afford it, I may consider selling them unpacked," he added.

The Zero Packaging Fiesta will be held in Yue Man Square in Kwun Tong where visitors can shop for sustainable brands from over 100 local brands in 34 booths.

Kwan Hong Bakery will also be selling its signature phoenix cookies and egg biscuits at the Greeners Action booth.