Hong Kong is taking significant steps to regulate disposable plastics, aiming to minimise plastic pollution, protect marine ecosystems, safeguard public health, reduce carbon emissions, and tackle its growing waste crisis.
As part of the city’s first single-use plastic bans introduced on 22 Apr 2024, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) launched Green Tableware to support businesses in transitioning away from plastic packaging. This platform provides comprehensive information on sustainable alternatives to disposable plastic tableware, helping businesses and the public make informed choices.
What is the Green Tableware Platform?
The Green Tableware Platform is a government-backed online directory featuring a comprehensive list of sustainable food packaging suppliers and their approved products. It was established as part of Hong Kong’s broader environmental strategy, particularly following the 2024 Phase 1 ban on certain single-use plastics for dine-in, which prohibits the sale and distribution of plastic cutlery, straws, stirrers, plates, and polystyrene food containers.
Green Tableware simplifies the switch to plant-based, compostable, or reusable alternatives by providing businesses with verified, compliant, and sustainable packaging solutions. Currently, it features around 150 suppliers offering over 1,700 products.
How Does It Work?
F&B businesses can visit greentableware.hk to explore and compare certified sustainable packaging solutions. The platform allows users to:
-
Search for products based on categories such as cutlery, cups, containers, and straws.
-
Verify compliance with Hong Kong’s SUP regulations.
-
Compare suppliers based on material types, pricing, and environmental certifications.
-
Make informed decisions on sustainable packaging investments.
This initiative is particularly crucial as Phase 2 of Hong Kong’s SUP ban—which extends restrictions to takeaway packaging—will be implemented in 2025. Businesses that proactively adapt now will be better prepared to comply with upcoming regulations.
BioPak: An Approved Supplier on the Green Tableware Platform
At BioPak, we are proud to be listed as an approved supplier on the Green Tableware Platform. We offer plastic-free certified compostable packaging solutions that meet Hong Kong’s regulatory requirements. Our plant-based alternatives, including bagasse containers, compostable cups, and wooden cutlery, provide businesses with a viable, sustainable replacement for plastic packaging.
The Green Tableware Platform is a game-changer for Hong Kong’s F&B industry, making it easier than ever to find sustainable, government-approved alternatives to plastic packaging. However, businesses must remain vigilant against greenwashing and ensure they choose certified compostable solutions to make a real impact.
BioPak has already helped leading brands in Hong Kong, including Subway, Knead, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and the Hong Kong Cricket Club, transition towards sustainable food packaging. Our globally recognised certifications ensure that businesses can trust the authenticity, quality, and compostability of our products eliminating the risks associated with greenwashing.
Why This Matters
Hong Kong generates an estimated 200 tonnes of plastic tableware waste per day (source), contributing to overflowing landfills that are expected to reach capacity by 2026. While the SUP ban is a significant first step, a holistic approach, including certified compostable packaging and waste-to-resource solutions, is critical to tackling this crisis.
BioPak believes that true circularity can be achieved by integrating compostable packaging with food waste collection services. This would allow both organic waste and packaging to be processed together at facilities like Hong Kong’s O·PARK1.
Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding composting initiatives in the region, including the upcoming launch of Compost Connect Hong Kong in 2025, which will facilitate compost pick-up services for businesses.
