Zero Plastic Takeaway Container Pilot 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.