ReThink HK | Recovery & Recycling: Strategies & Solutions for Accelerating Effective Recovery and Recycling of Valuable Waste Materials

Overview

Recyclable packaging does not always get recycled – because it is too expensive, too cumbersome, or simply because we cannot be bothered. Taking beverage and food packaging as a starting point, this session will help us systematically move beyond these barriers.

Learnings

Households and business owners are a critical first step in the reverse value chain. Keeping recyclables separate and disposing of them correctly is an invaluable contribution to strong recycling outcomes. How can we compel them to participate – in high numbers and with vim and vigour?
Circular models for business and society tend to upend our conventional notions of producer and consumer, of seller and buyer. How can organizations along the value chain adjust to these new and changing roles?
Recovering parts and materials in the Hong Kong market implies that these become available for our local supply chains. In how far do recycling and other closed-loop models offer an opportunity for reindustrializing Hong Kong?

Post Event Actions

As a retailer, determine how to nudge my customers towards stronger recycling participation: how can the trust in my brand, the accessibility of my infrastructure, or my operational know-how contribute to strong recycling outcomes?
As a waste operator or recycler, shift from a “processor mindset” to a “producer mindset”: how can I bring secondary materials to market with reliable specifications and in meaningful volumes?
As a producer, contribute to healthy recycling markets by creating a steady and sizeable pull for recycled materials: what share of my portfolio, what share of my market is most suitable to start the transition with?