Director of the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department, Xie Zhanhuan: At present, some listed food and beverage groups have actively implemented ESG measures.

On May 27, Commissioner for the Environment and Ecological Affairs in Hong Kong, Xie Zhanhuan, stated in a written response to lawmakers that Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues are receiving increasing attention from the international community and various industries. ESG is an important framework for evaluating the sustainability of businesses, and many companies are actively investing resources in this area. The local food and beverage industry operates with a diverse range of business models and sizes. Currently, some listed food and beverage groups are actively implementing ESG measures. The government has been using a multifaceted approach, utilizing different policies and measures, as well as disseminating information through industry associations to enhance awareness of ESG among the food and beverage industry (especially small and medium-sized establishments) and to support the industry in promoting ESG measures. The government will closely monitor the implementation of ESG by the industry, continuously improve measures, and currently has no plans to conduct a comprehensive survey. In terms of reducing single-use plastic tableware, since the legislation regulating single-use plastic tableware and other plastic products will come into effect in April 2024, the food and beverage industry has been actively cooperating, estimating that they will save over 60 million sets of disposable tableware annually. The Environmental Protection Department in Hong Kong has established a "Green Tableware Platform" to assist the industry in selecting compliant alternatives. Over 1,300 establishments participated in the "Non-plastic Container Trial Scheme" launched in August 2025, testing various containers and providing multiple optimization suggestions. The Environmental Protection Department in Hong Kong will enhance promotion and education efforts in various districts in the second half of 2026, further encouraging the industry to "go plastic-free and reduce single-use items." Regarding the promotion of food waste recycling, the "Food Wise Hong Kong" campaign has been promoting waste reduction initiatives since 2013 through programs such as the "Food Wise Charter" and "Don't Waste Good Food Programme." Currently, the Food Wise Hong Kong Steering Committee has two dedicated working groups to enhance the promotion of food waste reduction culture and recycling in the food and beverage industry. As a co-organizer of the "30*50 Green Dining Partner Program," the Environmental Protection Department in Hong Kong assists the industry in addressing food waste issues through experience sharing and joint actions. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Department currently provides free point-to-point food waste collection services for the food and beverage industry, along with professional guidance and training for participating organizations to facilitate efficient sorting and recycling of food waste. Commissioner Xie Zhanhuan mentioned that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is actively promoting a collaborative model of "from farm to table," encouraging the food and beverage industry to procure high-quality and safe local produce, and develop menus with unique Hong Kong features, while reducing carbon emissions caused by food transportation. The AFCD will launch a new unified brand for local produce in the middle of this year, accompanied by certification, testing, and traceability mechanisms, to enhance confidence among the food and beverage industry and consumers.