Innovation Stage

Innovation Pitching Session – Materials, Manufacturing & Supply Chains

12 Sep (Fri) Day 2 : 10:55 – 11:45

This session concentrates on innovations and practical solutions transforming materials, manufacturing, and supply chain sustainability. Presenters will discuss cutting-edge advancements such as selective nylon separation and regeneration, new energy sources produced from plastic waste, and sustainable packaging materials. Companies will share insights on reducing environmental impact by replacing harmful substances and optimising production processes. Attendees will gain an understanding of how sustainable materials and circular economy principles are driving industry change, reducing waste and improving supply chain transparency.

The entities that will present are:

  • Apricot Group – Sustainable Globalization: Insights from My Experience in Global Supply Chain Management
  • Jetwell GreenTech Limited – Soilable: New Generation Paper Straws and Sustainable Disposables for Asian Cuisine
  • TCO Development – Substitution of Harmful Substances in Electronic Products
  • The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) – Materials (Selective Nylon Separation and Regeneration)
  • Weplastic Limited – New Energy: Turn Mixed Plastic Waste into Sustainable Aviation Fuel

 

Speakers

Dr. Erika Ngan

The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA)

Project Manager (Research Section)

Dr. Ngan is the Project Manager at the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel, with over ten years of experience in the testing and evaluation of functional textiles. Since joining HKRITA, she has collaborated closely with the textile industry on diverse research areas including fibre closed-loop systems, bio-based solutions to microplastics, passive cooling textiles, and technology scale-up. Her current work focuses on driving sustainability through innovation and stakeholder engagement.

Frank Schepers

Weplastic Limited

Senior Consultant

Mr. Schepers brings 30+ years of recycling expertise. Formerly at Swire Coco-Cola, he led strategies for 30-50% rPET integration. His leadership spans global and local economy initiatives, including Hong Kong’s New Life Plastics (NLP), driving sustainability, cost efficiency, and operational excellence across the sector.

My Sustainability Goals for 2025:

Create a transformative chapter for plastic recycling in Hong Kong by harnessing innovative, science-driven technologies.

Martin Söderberg

TCO Development

Industry Relations Manager

Martin Söderberg has over 25 years of experience working with sustainability certification at TCO Development. He is currently involved in the criteria development and is responsible for industry stakeholder relations. Martin is from Sweden but partially grew up abroad, spending his first school years at Hong Kong International School. In 2005, Martin relocated to Taiwan to help set up a representative office for TCO Development and 20 years later, he moved back to Sweden to once again work for the head office in Stockholm. From 2016 to 2024, Martin also held a position as board member of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Taipei. Martin holds an engineering degree in electronics.

My Sustainability Goals for 2025

  • Increased use of renewable energy in manufacturing.
  • Improved design of electronic products to enable repair and longer life.
  • More transparency when it comes to the use of chemicals in electronic products.

Don Wan

Jetwell GreenTech Limited

Director

Don WAN, a seasoned expert with over 30 years of comprehensive knowledge in industrial chemicals, global eco-regulations, and product manufacturing, founded Soilable, a brand dedicated to creating innovative products that balance user experience, sustainability, and corporate responsibility. Launched in 2019, Soilable addresses the market’s influx of misleading and green-washing products with its flagship product, the “Soilable Straw,” a next-generation paper straw designed for eco-conscious consumers. Today, Soilable’s product line has expanded to include disposable straws, stirrers, and paper cup seals, distributed across North America, Europe, Australia, Singapore, and beyond. WAN’s vision continues to drive Soilable’s commitment to sustainable innovation and environmental stewardship.

My Sustainability Goals for 2025:

Hong Kong has implemented regulations to curb disposable plastic tableware, driven by its diverse Asian culinary scene, including Cantonese, Japanese, and Thai cuisines, which demand disposables resistant to high temperatures, grease, and moisture. Innovations like leakproof plant-cellulose containers and durable paper-based seals are being tested and scaled here. Hong Kong is becoming a hub for this technology, sharing these sustainable solutions with other countries to address similar environmental and culinary needs globally.

Lily Wu

WTL / Apricot Group Limited

CEO

Ms. Lily Wu is a trailblazing entrepreneur with over two decades of expertise in the electronic trading industry, establishing herself as a pioneer in overseas trading in the PRC since 2000. Renowned for her influence in the Greater Bay Area, she has earned widespread recognition for her innovative contributions and leadership. Ms. Wu serves as the Deputy Director of the Crystal Committee of the Electronic Chamber of Commerce and is a Certified Lecturer for Alibaba Group, amplifying her impact in the industry.

Driven by a passion for sustainability, Ms. Wu has expanded her entrepreneurial vision to champion eco-friendly initiatives. She has spearheaded ventures in eco-packaging solutions, green supply chain management, and sustainability consulting. As a Certified Sustainable Development Planner (CSDP), she is appointed as the Director of the ESG Sustainable Development Committee of the Shenzhen Electronic Chamber of Commerce, where she tirelessly promotes and fosters sustainable development practices, shaping a greener future for the industry.

 

My Sustainability Goals for 2025:

Ms. Lily Wu is dedicated to advancing sustainability through proactive and ambitious goals for 2025, focusing on innovation, expansion, and collaboration:

Drive Innovation in Eco-Friendly Solutions: Increase investment in research and development to create cutting-edge, low-carbon, and environmentally sustainable packaging solutions.

Expand Green Consulting and Sustainable Development: Broaden the scope of sustainable development initiatives and green consulting services to address evolving market demands and ensure compliance with diverse regional and international regulatory standards.

Foster Strategic Partnerships: Build alliances with influential partners to strengthen and expand the sustainable development network, amplifying impact and promoting collective action for a greener future.