Lesser packaging call to retailers amid online boom

The Consumer Council's third sustainable consumption study, released on Thursday, revealed that Hong Kong's public is more aware of and engaged in environmentally friendly practices compared to a decade ago. However, the council urged the government and retailers to intensify efforts to help the city achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

According to the poll of about 1,000 shoppers, awareness and attitude towards sustainable consumption each increased by five points, reaching 79 and 72 respectively. The report also noted a significant rise in online shopping over the past decade, which has led to a surge in packaging waste and disposable items.

Consumer Council chief executive Alaina Shum called for retailers to reduce their use of unnecessary packaging, as it could lower costs and waste generation. Shum highlighted how logistics firms expressed interest in setting up more collection points for packaging materials.

The council stressed the importance of both the government and retailers playing a crucial role in encouraging behavioral change among consumers. Shops could offer incentives like discounts and reward points to encourage customers to bring their own containers. Additionally, the government could establish more smart recycling stations and waste-collection points in commercial and industrial areas to motivate white-collar workers to recycle.

In terms of product design, retailers could offer discounts for refilling packs, which would provide consumers with a more cost-effective option while maintaining product quality. Shum suggested that if consumers are more willing to support products with simpler or more environmentally-friendly packaging, the market demand would drive businesses to adopt such practices.

The council recommended that supermarkets set up procurement policies and monitoring systems for sustainable products to provide the public with affordable and accessible eco-friendly options.