Zero Plastic Takeaway Container Pilot Program

What is this program about?

Over 15,000 takeaway containers are consumed every week on campus. These containers are made with plastic lining or biodegradable plastic, which are difficult to decompose. To practise 'plastic-free' at the source, plant fiber-made takeaway food containers developed by ecoinno® are introduced in participating restaurants on campus in the Pilot Program.

Users will bring the emptied zero-plastic takeaway container to the designated collection bins for recycling. The containers are made of 100% biodegradable materials with no plastic and will decompose completely in 75 days. Following the success of Phase I of the Pilot Program where over 20,000 plastic disposables were saved, we are collaborating with five new catering outlets on campus in Fall 2023 to further reduce our waste sending to the landfill.

Phase II: 9 Oct - 30 Nov 2023

- Asia Pacific Catering (LG7)
- Can.teen II (LG1)
- China Garden (G/F)
- Diners@LSKBB (LSK)
- Gold Rice Bowl (LG7)

Phase I: 24 Apr - 28 Jun 2023

- American Diner

ecoinno® is a green-tech company focusing on the zero-plastic solution. With years of research and development, they have successfully developed and commercialized patented GCM® material and its manufacturing facilities as a breakthrough solution to replace plastic. Their highly functional disruptive pure plant fibre material replaces single-use plastic, aluminum and plastic coffee capsule, plastic laminated food containers and cups. Their products are free from plastic coating and toxic fluorinated (PFAS) oil-repellent additive.

What benefits does this program bring to the campus?

With the Government waste charging scheme implementing in April 2024 and the upcoming legislation that prohibits the local sale and provision of any disposable plastic tableware for both dine-in and takeaway customers, the Zero Plastic Takeaway Container Pilot Program will give the opportunity for catering outlets and HKUST members to experience the use of pure plant fibre made disposables to reduce the plastic waste, and prepare for the implementation of the regulation. It also contributes to our waste reduction target of HKUST 2028 Challenge that aims to reduce waste to the landfill by 75% compared to the 2014 baseline year.

HKUST is also the first location in Hong Kong that showcases the full life-cycle of takeaway container recycling.

FAQs

What are the objectives of this program?

To experience the use of pure plant fiber-made disposable food containers to reduce plastic waste.
To prepare for the implementation of the Government’s upcoming legislation prohibiting the local sale and provision of any disposable plastic tableware.
To encourage HKUST staff and students to reduce waste sent to landfills.
To evaluate the effectiveness and user experience of practicing ‘plastic-free’ at the source.

How does the “Zero Plastic Takeaway Container Pilot Program” impact the entire HKUST campus?

By implementing the “Zero Plastic Takeaway Container Pilot Program”, HKUST not only contributes to its waste reduction target as part of the HKUST 2028 Challenge, which aims to reduce landfill waste by 75% compared to the 2014 baseline year, but also takes a leading role in promoting and achieving sustainable development in Hong Kong by being the first location to showcase the complete life cycle of takeaway container recycling, demonstrating our commitment to environmental responsibility.

Why is ecoinno® engaged in this program?

ecoinno® is one of the qualified suppliers of the government’s Green Tableware platform for non-plastic disposable tableware products under the Scheme on Regulation of Disposable Plastic Tableware. ecoinno®’s products, using Green Composite Material™️ made from cellulose, are free from plastic coatings and toxic fluorinated (PFAS) oil-repellent additives and are made of 100% biodegradable materials, allowing them to decompose completely within 75 days.

Where can we return the takeaway containers?

There are a total of 6 locations where you can return the containers. They are:

outside Lift 2 in Atrium
outside of LTC
outside Engineering Commons, 2/F
G/F of Cheng Yu Tung Building
the canteen entrance of Lee Shau Kee building
near the escalator of LG5 Bridge link

If there is food waste in the containers, is it necessary to clean them before returning?

Try your best to remove most of the food waste from the container and dispose of it in the food waste bin. There is no need to use detergents to clean the containers thoroughly before returning. If there are any traces of food waste left after cleaning, you can still put the containers in the designated collection bins.

If the containers are broken, can they still be returned?

Yes, damaged containers can still be returned. The next step in the recycling process involves shredding the containers, therefore, even if they are damaged, they can still be included in the recycling cycle.

Do the containers need to be collected on the same day they are used?

It is not a must to return the containers on the same day, but it is advisable to do so as soon as possible due to hygiene concerns.

How is it different from regular “paper-like” takeaway containers?

For some of the “paper-like” takeaway containers commonly used, a layer of plastic coating may be applied on the surface or between the paper layers. This means it still requires a long plastic decomposition process and may lead to other implications, such as health risks when the microplastics enter our food chain.

What should I pay attention to when using this type of takeaway containers?

When water droplets condense inside the takeaway containers, it is normal for the food to slightly adhere to the container’s surface. While this situation is an improvement compared to “paper-like” containers, we recommend not storing food in these containers for an extended period. In addition, it is advisable to avoid placing any important materials underneath the containers, as condensation may occur underneath as well.

Is it normal for condensation to occur? Can it still hold food and liquids effectively?

Yes, it is normal for condensation to occur. However, the structure of the ecoinno® container has been improved and undergone rigorous testing to demonstrate its ability to hold food and liquids securely and effectively, even in the presence of condensation.

ecoinno

plastics stay away

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