Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) Product Package Recycling Programme

The "Product Packaging Recycling Programme" (the Programme) aims to promote community recycling and the reuse of packaging materials to reduce waste and increase quantity of recyclables. Another objective of this programme is to enhance the information transparency of eco-friendly product packaging, and increase consumers' awareness of recycling activities as well as the concepts of "shop naked” and “sell naked", thereby encouraging public participation in various recycling and environmental activities.

GS1 HK will organise a series of environmental and recycling workshops, targeting product brand owners, suppliers, retailers, and recycling companies. A series of roadshow activities targeting citizens and consumers will also be held in order to achieve the following goals:

• Increase environmental awareness and knowledge of product brand owners, suppliers, and retailers

• Encourage retailers and consumers to put the concept of “shop naked” / “sell naked” into action

• Encourage brand owners and manufacturers to incorporate environmental and recycling concepts in product design, production, and packaging

• Encourage and assist brand owners and suppliers to apply QR codes on product packaging for providing various information such as packaging materials, recycling guidelines, waste separation, and recycling process. This digital approach can save paper and facilitate consumer participation in source separation of waste, aiming to increase the amount of recyclables and reduce the waste disposal volume.

• Encourage and assist companies of all sizes to provide waste separation and recycling facilities in office or warehouse to encourage recycling

• Drive consumer participation in “shop naked” and recycling

• Facilitate communication between different sectors

Enhancing the information transparency of eco-friendly product packaging through the application of technology

Utilising existing digital product platform to promote the concept of “shop naked”, by displaying various green related information such as the types of packaging materials, recycling locations, waste separation and recycling facilities etc. Additionally, this Programme assists product brand owners and suppliers in printing or affixing QR codes on the product package, displaying detailed product information on the digital platform. This aims to achieve the following goals:

• List the locations of retail outlets which carry “sell naked” products with certificates on the digital product platform, facilitating consumers’ participation.

• Provide one-stop access for consumers to sees the latest information on “shop naked”, waste separation, recycling, and other relevant details through the QR codes on product packaging, encouraging the public to choose products with ESG elements and/or eco-friendly packaging.
   

ESG Product Packaging Label

The ESG Product Packaging Label represents a commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, providing certification specifically for products that meet sustainable development, ethical procurement, and social responsibility requirements.

Main features:
•    Environmental standard: All packaging materials should be recyclable or biodegradable to minimise the impacts on the environment.

Unpackaged Product Label (or Packaging-free / Zero-packaging)

The Unpackaged Product Label aims to help consumers identify package-free products easily and promote environmentally friendly shopping habits. It also encourages consumers to build the habit of "Bring Your Own" container for shopping naked.

Main features:
•    Reduced waste: Products are sold in minimal or without packaging to reduce environmental impacts.
•    Enhanced transparency: Consumers can gain a clearer understanding of product origins and the environmental footprint of packaging-free products.