FAQs - About Charter Application

A.1: The Charter targets 8 key business sectors: (1) Supermarkets and grocery stores; (2) Logistics; (3) E-commerce; (4) Hotel and hospitality; (5) Electronics and electrical appliances; (6) Beverage manufacturing; (7) Food manufacturing; and (8) Importers. Additionally, businesses involved in the use of packaging materials are eligible to join. Please specify your business nature under “Others” in Part A of the Application Form.

A.2: No, participation in the Charter and Awards application is entirely free of charge.

A.3: Participants are only required to complete the online application form. After submission, we will request the following documents via email:

• A copy of Business Registration Certificate (if applicable); and
• The Company logo (in .jpeg and .ai formats).

Please note that no packaging data is required at the time of application. Participants are required to submit their annual total packaging material used (via the designated electronic template provided) by 31 July 2026 for the first year of joining the Charter.

A.4: No, participants should submit the packaging data using the designated electronic template provided under the Charter.

A.5: To apply for the Platinum or Gold Award, participants must select a BASE YEAR 2019 - 2024 for assessment. Participants are required to complete and submit the annual total packaging material used (via the designated electronic template provided) to substantiate their performance for the BASE YEAR and the first year by 31 July 2026.

Additional requirements are as follows:

• a) For participants aiming to fulfil Aspect 1 and achieve Platinum or Gold Award:
  • Submit the total quantity of packaging consumed for at least two selected finished products/ materials.
• b) For participants aiming to fulfil Aspect 2 and achieve Platinum or Gold Award:
  • Submit the total quantity of recycled materials versus virgin material consumed for at least one finished product/ material; or
  • Submit the total quantity of recyclable materials versus non-recyclable material consumed for at least one finished product/ material.

For participants rejoining the award in subsequent years, the previous year’s data will serve as the BASE YEAR for comparison. This approach encourages ongoing improvements in packaging reduction efforts and ensures a meaningful evaluation of progress.

A.6: The Charter’s framework evaluates five key aspects to minimise packaging consumption and waste: (i) Packaging Reduction, (ii) Packaging Recyclability, (iii) Packaging Reuse, (iv) Sustainable Packaging, and (v) Promotion of Packaging Reduction. Each aspect is assessed to measure the effectiveness of an organisation’s packaging strategies.

A.7: The award recognition aims to acknowledge organisations’ dedication to packaging reduction and sustainable packaging innovation. Organisations will NOT be disqualified for failing to meet aspect requirements provided that they submit their annual total packaging material usage data. However, Charter Signatories who fail to submit the annual total packaging material data may receive reminders. A mechanism for removal from the Charter after multiple reminders is being developed.

A.8: Yes, companies without packaging data can join. The first year of joining will be considered the BASE YEAR.

A.9: No, the base year must fall between 2019 – 2024.

A.10: Yes, organisations may achieve the Platinum Award consecutively. Data submitted in the previous year will serve as the baseline for comparison, ensuring continuous improvement.

A.11: No, participants may select different finished products to fulfil Aspect 1 requirements upon rejoining.

A.12: No, the 1% reduction applies only to applicants aiming for the Platinum Award and is required for at least two selected products.

A.13: Yes, the products used for Aspect 2 do not need to be the same as those for Aspect 1.

A.14: Yes, each participant can change the target class of the Awards ONCE after submitting the Application Form. A written request should be sent via email to lesspackagingcharter@bec.org.hk to notify the change.

A.15: The evaluation will occur in Q3 of 2026, with awardees notified by the end of that quarter.

A.16: Organisations that do not meet the criteria will receive feedback on how to improve their practices to achieve packaging reduction goals.

A.17: The Charter provides the following supporting measures:

• Promotion of the Charter through a dedicated website and social media;
• Regular publication of participating organisations;
• Technical support on sustainable packaging;
• Hosting promotional events like a launching ceremony and awards presentation; and
• Issuance of the Charter logo and certificate for participants to display in-store and on corporate materials (e.g., sustainability reports), showcasing their commitment to sustainability.

A.18: Recyclable packaging material refers to materials accepted by the local community recycling network (i.e., GREEN@COMMUNITY).

A.19: Recycled content is the portion of a product made from materials that have been reused, instead of virgin material (e.g., rPET, recycled paper). This reduces the need for new resources.

A.20: Participating organisations can take the following steps to promote the Charter:

• Sharing information about their packaging reduction initiatives and eco-friendly product lines for publication on the Charter’s official website;
• Highlighting their packaging reduction efforts through corporate social media, websites, and sustainability reports; and
• Providing staff training on packaging reduction strategies to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively advocate sustainable practices among employees and business partners.