Hong Kong’s single-use plastics ban: suppliers of eco-friendly tableware urge patience amid concerns over quality

The companies on Thursday urged the catering industry to learn more about non-plastic tableware and use appropriate items for the food being served as they demonstrated their alternatives, although not without some hiccups.

Among the representatives of the four companies was George Chen Dah-ren, CEO of Ecoinno (HK), which specialises in developing non-plastic products using plant fibre materials.

“We are very used to plastics, but we need to get used to a world without plastics,” he said. “We should become more familiar with these products, and give the market opportunities to explore them and then select suitable products … and users should be more patient and supportive to allow the industry to gradually change and achieve a common goal.”

During a press conference, all four suppliers gave demonstrations of their products, which included cutlery, straws and containers made of wood, bamboo or paper.

The companies are registered on the Green Tableware Platform, an Environmental Protection Department initiative that lists alternatives to plastic items.