Packaging Reduction Charter

Table of content

Overview

Packaging plays a vital role in protecting products throughout the supply chain. However, much of it is designed for single or limited use before disposal, leading to excessive waste and environmental challenges. In Hong Kong, the issue of excessive packaging has become a growing concern, with consumers increasingly seeking products with minimal packaging. This shift underscores the need for sustainable practices in packaging.

To address the issue, businesses need to balance packaging’s protective functions, environmental impact, and other commercial considerations. In response, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) launched the Packaging Reduction Charter (“the Charter”) on 31March 2025. This initiative invites businesses to commit to sustainable packaging practices and actively reduce packaging waste.

Objectives

The Charter aims to bring together businesses and organisations in a collaborative effort to commit to promoting sustainable packaging, reducing packaging waste, and contributing to Hong Kong’s long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality.

Becoming Our Partners

All registered businesses in Hong Kong that use packaging materials are invited to join the Charter. By signing up, businesses acknowledge that:

Excessive packaging harms Hong Kong’s environment;
Reducing packaging waste supports sustainable development and minimises landfill burden; and
Effective waste reduction strategies include eliminating unnecessary packaging, redesigning materials for reusability and recyclability, and promoting packaging reduction practices across supply chains.

Commitments

As signatories of the Charter, businesses commit to:

Reporting their annual total packaging material usage to EPD;
Reducing packaging waste by adopting sustainable practices or alternatives; and
Encouraging suppliers, business partners, and customers to reduce packaging waste and improve packaging management.

Benefits of Joining

By participating in the Charter, businesses can enjoy the following benefits:

Enhanced Corporate Sustainability Image: Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability, enhancing your reputation and attracting environmentally conscious partners and customers.
Professional Support: Leverage the EPD’s resources and expertise in packaging reduction and recycling.
Networking Opportunities: Collaborate with like-minded organisations and experts to amplify your environmental efforts.
Emission Disclosure Preparation: Receive guidance on packaging-related data reporting for ESG compliance, including Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, as required by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX).
Recognition and Awards: Earn recognition through a three-tier award system (Platinum, Gold, Merit) for outstanding packaging reduction achievements.

Timeline

Time	Description
Present	Open for application
Now to July 2026	Businesses to collect packaging data and implement packaging reduction or sustainable packaging initiatives. Seminars and workshops will be organised to support participants and facilitate knowledge sharing.
31 July 2026	Deadline for submission of Implementation Proforma and annual total packaging material used
Q3 2026	Evaluation process and result announcement
Late September 2026 (Tentative)	Award Ceremony

Award Recognition System

Businesses will be evaluated under the following award tiers based on their performance:

Award Tier	Requirements
Prerequisite	Submit to the EPD the annual total packaging material usage, with reference to per unit produced (aligned with KPI A2.5 under Appendix 2 of the HKEX ESG Reporting Requirements)
Platinum Award	Achieved both Aspects 1 and 2; plus Any one aspect from Aspects 3 to 5.
Gold Award	Achieved Aspect 1 or 2; plus Any one aspect from Aspects 3 to 5.
Merit Award	Achieved any two aspects from Aspects 3 to 5.

Assessment Criteria

Signatories are evaluated across five key aspects:

Aspect 1 – Packaging Reduction	Reduce the amount of packaging for at least two selected finished products by 1% annually compared to a designated base year, with reference to per unit produced; and Ensure the amount of packaging does not exceed the base year’s amount, with reference to per unit produced.
Aspect 2 – Packaging Recyclability	Increase the percentage of packaging that is recyclable compared to the base year for at least one finished product; or Increase the percentage of packaging that contains recycled content compared to the base year for at least one finished product
Aspect 3 – Packaging Reuse/Recycling	Organise at least two events per year to encourage packaging reduction, re-use, and recycling among consumers and stakeholders (e.g. importers, suppliers, business partners); or Implement collection and recycling programmes for packaging with at least two events held per year; or Shift from single-use packaging to reusable or refillable options compared to the base year; or Undertake effective measures that achieve packaging reduction, re-use and recycling initiatives and to the satisfaction of the EPD.
Aspect 4 – Sustainable Packaging	Implement Eco-design for sustainable packaging; or Eliminate the use of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or Styrofoam in packaging (for selected product lines).
Aspect 5 – Promotion of Packaging Reduction	Influence at least 3 upstream or downstream suppliers/business partners to implement packaging reduction measures or join the Charter.

Remarks:

To apply for the Platinum or Gold Award, participants must select a baseline year between 2019 and 2024 and submit the packaging data for that year.
For participants rejoining the award in subsequent years, the data submitted in the previous year will serve as the baseline for comparison.

How to Apply

The application package includes

List of Participating Companies

List of Participating Companies

Packaging Reduction Tips for Different Sectors

The EPD has developed a set of Practical Guides on Packaging Reduction and Management for specific sectors to assist the trade in packaging reduction and management. You may view the guides by clicking the link below

Packaging Reduction Tips for Different Sectors

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional details and common queries, please visit our FAQ page

Contact Us

For further inquiries, please contact us via:

Tel：5279 1936
Email：lesspackagingcharter@bec.org.hk

We invite all businesses to join us in creating a more sustainable future by embracing packaging reduction practices. Sign up today and be part of the solution for a greener Hong Kong!