seafood sustainablity Archives | Future Green Global

The Recycling Crisis: Why Hong Kong Must Prioritise Reducing over Recycling

Kriti Dhodhi — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 06:52:44 +0000

Group picture at New Life Plastics Facility!

Nestled in the heart of Hong Kong’s Eco-Park, New Life Plastics (NLP) is Hong Kong’s first dedicated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) Recycling facility. This state of the art facility represents a joint venture between Baguio Green Group, ALBA, and Swire Coca-Cola. With its impressive capacity to process up to 4000 tonnes recycled beverage bottles per month, NLP is set to be a change-maker in Hong Kong’s approach to waste management.

The tour of NLP was an eye-opening experience, offering a glimpse into Hong Kong’s recycling industry and its vast infrastructure!

The New Life Plastics Facility located in EcoPark in Hong Kong

Presentation by Jennifer – the sustainability manager at NLP!

The tour began with an informative presentation by Jennifer, as she unveiled the aims and the daily operations of the recycling plant. An engaging dialogue gradually emerged between the attendees during the presentation. Not only was it a rich learning experience allowing us to gain insights into the recycling processes at NLP, but it also opened the gates for a hearty discussion regarding the recycling framework in Hong Kong and its subsequent limitations.

As someone discussed the efficiency of waste separation bins in Hong Kong, others inquired about the specificity of bottles that can be recycled at this facility (i.e. does it need to be transparent, clean, have the label or cap removed?). Curiosity truly transpired through the entire room.

A Circular Economy

Afterwards, Jennifer further explained the ‘circular economy’ concept associated with plastic recycling. She outlined the journey of a plastic bottle from disposal to rebirth as a new product. NLP’s facilities transform Hong Kong’s PET beverage bottles to food-grade ready rPET flakes. Afterwards, these flakes are delivered to local manufacturers to produce recycled PET products for companies like Vitasoy. Furthermore, by using cutting-edge recycling technology from Germany and France that is entirely dependent on solar energy, New Life Plastics provides a sustainable alternative to Hong Kong’s striking plastic bottle usage, averaging at 5.2 million bottles every day.

Jennifer presenting on plastic bottle circular economy

Let’s not forget about sustainability!

Jennifer’s presentation concluded with her reinstating the key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that NLP focuses on: affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation, and infrastructure, sustainable cities, climate action, and partnerships for the goals.

Key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at New Life Plastics

Tour of the facility!

The most engaging part of the tour was to see the machinery at work, processing 160k bottles per hour. Unfortunately, we were not able to take pictures of the facility, but here is a brief outline of the entire process of the recycling plant:

Starting off with the preparation, they conducted a feedstock quality check and separated all the plastic bottles to ensure only PET and HDPE bottles continue to the next process.
The second step was the separation, which involved removing ferrous metals, screening bottle size, and removing the label (which is also later recycled). It was at this stage where we saw that out of all the plastic bottles consumed in Hong Kong, only those abiding by a very specific standard (i.e. colour, PET/HDPE, transparency, and level of cleanliness) can be recycled further. The rest are sent to another recycling facility in Hong Kong. Many of them still end up in landfills because they fail to meet any basic recycling standards.
The third step focussed on processing of the bottles – washing and drying them, and grinding them into flakes.
The last step involves performing a quality control on the flakes – screening their size and final check by types and colours which is performed at the laboratory.
The output is sent to manufacturers across Hong Kong!

A process that is indeed riddled with many complexities, but thrives because of its efficiency and systematisation.

PET flakes and plastic bottles made from recycled materials with the help of New Life Plastics!

Reduce first!

Lastly, one of the key takeaways from the tour was that the best solution to prevent waste is to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics in the first place. The guiding principle to waste management should be: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, with reduce being the most important step we can take.

While NLP was a truly remarkable facility, it revealed a rather disturbing truth about the recycling industry as a whole. As mentioned earlier, out of the millions of plastic bottles that enter this facility, very few are actually recycled. Many of them are sent to other recycling facilities, and some are even sent to landfills. Out of the 5.2 million bottles consumed by Hong Kong every day, only 11% of this is recycled. Henceforth, it is actually reducing that helps to address waste at its source, conserving energy and resources while preventing pollution and landfill overflow.

Though recycling plays a vital role prioritising reduction allows us to tackle environmental challenges more effectively and efficiently!

So let’s not just rely entirely on recycling, but start by making a change in our consumption habits. Avoid plastic bottles in the first place or only use those made up of recycled materials.

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Together, we’re not just talking about a sustainable future; we’re building it. Let’s make every meal a story worth telling.

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Future Green Team

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World Benchmarking Alliance Conference in Bangkok: Staying Ahead in Sustainability

Heidi Spurrell — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 05:40:25 +0000

Group picture at the World Benchmarking Alliance!

Attending the World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) conference in Bangkok was more than just an opportunity to network; it was a masterclass in understanding the intricate dance between corporate reporting and actual sustainability performance. This event was a goldmine of insights, and I’m excited to share the most impactful ones with you.

What also struck me was the concern some ASEAN businesses have in terms of the geopolitics of sustainability progress. I heard the narrative around sustainability being a colonial idea to slow down progress in Asia. That blew my mind.

The Reporting Mirage

Companies excel at producing impressive sustainability reports, but do these reports translate into real actions? Especially in Southeast Asia, where private sector engagement is crucial for achieving the SDGs, there’s a noticeable lag. This disconnect between reporting and action is a reality check: slick reports don’t always equate to meaningful progress. Acknowledging and addressing this gap is essential.

Policies: The Framework of Progress

Policy discussions at the conference emphasised the importance of upcoming events like the Summit of the Future and various COP gatherings. However change in the region will be slow commented one expert. ‘Don’t expect mandatory regulation from ASEAN on Human Rights Due Diligence, you won’t get it’, we heard. Progress is not happening fast enough unfortunately. European companies however have to address requirements, and are addressing this. Best practice is coming and we hope it will spread across the world.

Indeed, these frameworks define what businesses need to do to contribute to the SDGs. However, voluntary guidelines and MOUs aren’t enough. Mandatory regulations are necessary to enforce due diligence, especially on human rights and environmental standards.

New report published on Business and Human Rights in Southeast Asia by Amerbon

Tailored Solutions for Different Sectors

Different sectors face unique challenges and require tailored solutions. The palm oil sector in Indonesia, represented by Musim Mas, has made significant strides through RSPO certification programmes. They told us it takes years to build trust with farmers on the ground, but that’s exactly what they’ve spent time nurturing over the years. It’s the same with investors and consumers, trust takes time to build. However, other sectors, like electronics and construction, still lag behind and need specific interventions.

The Silent Impact on Children

UNICEF’s session highlighted the impact of business practices on children’s rights, especially within food systems. Companies often fail to report on critical issues like child labour and harmful marketing practices. Greater transparency and proactive measures are needed to protect children in corporate supply chains.

A Call to Action

Heidi Spurrell with sustainability leaders at the World Benchmarking Alliance!

This was my first physical event at The WBA’s allies assembly. It was more than just a series of sessions; it was a call to action. It reinforced the importance of staying informed and engaged with the latest in sustainability. The insights gained will help push for stronger policies, better corporate practices, and more effective and holistic sustainability strategies that are designed with systems change in mind.

Achieving the SDGs is no small feat. It requires a relentless push for deeper integration of sustainability within our organisations and holding corporations accountable for their actions. The journey is tough, but the destination—a sustainable future—is worth every effort.

As sustainability experts, we must remain vigilant, informed, and proactive. The path is challenging, but the rewards are immense. Let’s use these insights to enhance our practices and drive meaningful change. The world needs us to step up, and we are more than capable of doing so.

If you are wondering what the World Benchmarking Alliance is…

The World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) is committed to incentivising and accelerating the private sector’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. By benchmarking companies on their contributions to the SDGs through publicly available data, WBA provides clarity and guidance on what businesses need to do, fostering greater accountability and transparency. Their work spans multiple sectors and geographies, driving transformative change to build a more sustainable future.

Presentation explaining the importance of corporate responsibility at the WBA conference!

Key Food Businesses Ranked by WBA

Here are some of the key food businesses ranked by the WBA (this list is not in order):

Nestlé (Switzerland)
Walmart (United States)
Unilever (United Kingdom)
Coca-Cola (United States)
PepsiCo (United States)
Tyson Foods (United States)
Danone (France)
Kellogg’s (United States)
Mars (United States)
Mondelez International (United States)
Wilmar International (Singapore)
Yum China (China)
Woolworths Group (Australia)
Tesco (United Kingdom)
Carrefour (France)
McDonald’s (United States)
Starbucks (United States)
Sysco (United States)
Sainsbury’s (United Kingdom)
Sodexo (France)

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Connect with Us:

Contact Us: Got questions or ideas? Email us at hello@futuregreen.global.

Together, we’re not just talking about a sustainable future; we’re building it. Let’s make every meal a story worth telling.

Stay green, stay inspired.

Future Green Team

Are you curious about your food’s impact?

The post World Benchmarking Alliance Conference in Bangkok: Staying Ahead in Sustainability appeared first on Future Green Global.

SOURCING SEAFOOD RESPONSIBLY IS THE TOPIC OF OUR APRIL 2024 MEMBERS MONTHLY MEETUP

Jade Chaudey — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 08:55:04 +0000

The recent Members Monthly Meetup brought together industry experts to discuss the pressing challenge of transitioning towards sustainable practices in the seafood industry. With Heidi, our CEO and Joshua Wong from The Peninsula Hotels as speakers, attendees gained invaluable insights and actionable steps for individuals and businesses to transition towards more sustainable practices.

Group picture!

What’s the challenge?

The seafood industry faces a multifaceted challenge when it comes to sustainability, encompassing concerns such as overfishing, environmental consequences, labour practices, and responsible sourcing. Successfully addressing this challenge necessitates a comprehensive and coordinated effort involving individuals, businesses, and policymakers. It is imperative to adopt a systemic approach to safeguard the long-term health of our oceans and the well-being of the communities that rely upon them.

Addressing the consequences of overfishing and unsustainable practices in the seafood industry

“Aquaculture can’t be the only solution to overfishing,” stated Heidi as she commenced her presentation. Although overfishing is an undeniable issue with 90% of fish stocks being overfished, there are other concerns. Heidi also shed light on the harmful consequences of intensive fish farming and the unsanitary conditions, the overconsumption, the routine use of antibiotics, and the troubling presence of modern slavery within the seafood industry.

The issue of overconsumption of seafood in Hong Kong is particularly concerning. On average, a Hong Kong resident consumes 70 kilograms of seafood per year, which is double the global average of 34.6 kilograms.

Heidi and our guests

Additionally, Heidi emphasised the impact of destructive fishing methods on ocean beds and biodiversity, along with the growing concern of marine and coastal organisms ingesting plastic waste. It is crucial to recognise that sustainable food practices should encompass not only environmental factors but also prioritise worker safety and address issues such as the lack of protective uniforms, forced labor, antibiotic misuse, and labor law exploitation.

The depicted situation is undeniably discouraging.

That’s why, throughout her presentation, Heidi emphasised the urgent need for responsible sourcing. Her insights underscored the importance of thorough vetting of suppliers by businesses. To aid in this process, she provided a valuable FREE DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCE in the form of a Top 20 Supplier Questions List. This list can serve as a guide during conversations with suppliers to ensure responsible practices are upheld.

Free Seafood Supplier Questions Guide

The intricate challenge of integrating sustainable sourcing into hospitality daily operations

Joshua Wong, the Head of Sustainability at The Peninsula Hotels, shared the challenges faced by the hospitality industry when it comes to sourcing sustainable seafood. He expressed how overwhelming it can be to navigate through the vast amount of information available (Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) & ‘Good Fish Guide’, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), the IUCN RED LIST, WWF-Hong Kong’s ‘Seafood Guide’, etc.) to ensure responsible sourcing, often leading to the question, “What is acceptable to source?”

The Peninsula Hotels initiated their seafood sourcing journey in 2011 by implementing a ban on shark fin, setting a precedent as the first hotel brand to do so globally. They regularly conduct seafood risk assessments in collaboration with WWF. Obtaining accurate information from suppliers is an immense task, in worse cases, only 40% of the assessments proving correct due to incorrect information, such as misidentified fish species, provided by suppliers, and significant traceability challenges.

Joshua openly recognises that the path towards sustainable sourcing is not without imperfections, as he honestly admits, “It’s not perfect!” Nevertheless, he remains optimistic about the advancements being achieved, thanks to the unwavering support and collaboration of the chefs and procurement team. Collectively, they are actively engaged in the pursuit of identifying and adopting increasingly sustainable sourcing options.

As a matter of fact, the group has taken a significant step by introducing a global “sustainable luxury vision”, overseen by their Hong Kong team, which prioritises responsible sourcing as a fundamental pillar.

Joshua Wong speaking on sustainable seafood sourcing challenges in hospitality.

When making decisions, Joshua explained that they prioritise three key factors: biodiversity conservation, the involvement of labeled suppliers (despite acknowledging that it may not be flawless especially with so much dried seafood being consumed)), and maintaining transparent communications with partners.

Last but not least, Joshua underscored the delicate balance that exists between revenue, client satisfaction, and sustainability. “Sustainability should not be a loss for our clients” (taking the ban on shark fin as an example) Joshua emphasised. “Instead, we should be able to offer our clients other alternatives—delicious and exquisite options—that align with our commitment to sustainability.”

The meetup also provided a platform to discuss the Hong Kong Government’s Blueprint for Sustainable Development in the agriculture and fisheries. Some concerns were raised regarding animal welfare and the housing of animals in high-rise facilities, which contradicts their well-being as sentient beings and the term ‘ sustainable development’ as defined by the UN. On a positive note, the blueprint aims to maintain healthy fisheries for the long term, improve income for mariculturists, and optimise land use through vertical farming (though energy consumption for buildings must be factored in).

April monthly meetup attendees engaged in a Q&A session at The Peninsula.

https://futuregreen.global/become-a-member/

Source seafood responsibly – April 2024

Thank you to our wonderful hosts at The Peninsula Hotel and sponsors: InvestHK and Fresh Accounting as well as our speaker Joshua Wong for sharing invaluable insights.

We hope businesses will take the next step in starting conversations with suppliers on seafood sustainability.

Connect with Us:

Contact Us: Got questions or ideas? Email us at hello@futuregreen.global.

Together, we’re not just talking about a sustainable future; we’re building it. Let’s make every meal a story worth telling.

Stay green, stay inspired.

Future Green Team

Are you curious about your food’s impact?

The post SOURCING SEAFOOD RESPONSIBLY IS THE TOPIC OF OUR APRIL 2024 MEMBERS MONTHLY MEETUP appeared first on Future Green Global.