The Plastic Ban- What You Need To Know

What is the timeline?

Important update, as of October 18th, the first stage of Hong Kong ban on single-use plastics has been brought forward 2 years to 2023. Restaurants will be prohibited from providing disposable plastic tableware including, cutleries, straws and stirrers in the first phase of a two step plan.

All plastic will be banned

The Government of the HKSAR has indicated that the Regulation Scheme of Disposable Plastic Tableware will also cover disposable bioplastic tableware made of so-called oxo-degradable plastics and biodegradable plastics.

The harsh truth: Plant-based PLA

Public pressure for sustainable packaging has been mounting for some time, as we advocate against plastic for better, planet-safe solutions. These calls have been answered in recent years, by a growing number of ‘plastic substitutes’ (e.g. oxo-degradable plastics, biodegradable plastics, etc.). Compostable and/or biodegradable options have become available in Hong Kong. These claim to be ‘made from plants’, and assuage the consumer’s desire to keep the planet safe during consumption.

You weren’t told however, that these ‘bioplastic’ products can only be broken down under very specific conditions. These include exposure to ultraviolet radiation and/or heat via industrial composting, both costly and large scale process. There are currently no industrial facilities available in Hong Kong which can deliver on either of these methods, and without these bioplastic products have the same environmental effects as single use plastic.

Since we can hereby assume that these bioplastics will not break down, they will threaten our natural environment in Hong Kong for centuries to come.

We are truly, Sustainabl.‍

Sustainabl. Planet is proud to offer a truly sustainable, plastic-free range of high-quality products specifically designed for every F&B need. Wholly composed of natural materials, all of our products are sustainably sourced. Better still, all our products should be composted at home, or recycled using existing facilities here in Hong Kong.

Our products meet and exceed all of the requirements for the ‘approved’ materials list proposed by the Government of HKSAR, for the future ban on single use plastics.

The Sustainabl. solution

Products made of paper, bamboo, soft wood, aluminium foil, plant fibre materials (e.g. wood pulp, straw pulp, bagasse.)

Should you require any further information or have any questions- please do not hesitate to get in touch with Sustainabl. Planet. Send us an email hello@sustainablplanet.com or WhatsApp us at +852 9178 5090.