foodpanda and WWF HK push for reusable containers

foodpanda Hong Kong and WWF-Hong Kong have partnered to launch “ECF: Choose to Reuse”, a closed-loop reusable packaging pilot programme for delivery platforms in Hong Kong, done with the support of HK$2 million funding from Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF).

In its pilot phase, foodpanda Hong Kong will provide 8,000 reusable food containers to participating restaurant partners in the coming 11 months, available in two sizes-1380ml and 650 ml. Users can choose the dishes with reusable container options and return the containers at nine different collection points. The programme aims to offer a more sustainable option to the people of Hong Kong, encourage the public and restaurant partners to reduce waste at the source, and create a more sustainable community.

Users can then choose the dishes with the reusable containers option from a list of participating restaurants when ordering on foodpanda. Currently there are close to 40 restaurants participating in the programme such as Fairwood, Seoul Bros, Wingman, KALE, Planet Foody and TREEHOUSE. A deposit of HK$10 per container will be required once the order is confirmed, applicable to both delivery and pick-up orders. Users can then return the containers at nine different collection points located across Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. The deposit will be refunded directly and immediately to the user’s Octopus wallet upon returning the container. Reminders to return the containers will also be sent to users by foodpanda through email and SMS.

Furthermore, for every returned container, users will receive a HK$10 voucher that will be automatically credited to the user’s wallet within the foodpanda app and available to be used on their next order from participating restaurants of the programme. This will mean a HK$20 voucher for two returned containers, HK$30 voucher for three returned containers and so on. To enjoy more diversified green rewards, users can also earn CW Points with every returned container at Carbon Wallet App to redeem free MTR rides, eco-friendly products, green beauty and dining coupons.

foodpanda will be working with Gategroup Solutions Hong Kong to clean and sanitise  the reusable containers. This cleaning process will strictly follow the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) programme, which meets global standards on hygiene and safety. Christian Fischer, Managing Director of gategroup Solutions Asia Pacific said “We are delighted to be partnering with foodpanda on this very exciting project, and we hope that this will help further emphasise the importance of sustainable and environmental awareness.”

Ryan Lai, managing director of foodpanda Hong Kong, said: “As one of the leading on-demand online delivery platforms in Asia, foodpanda is concerned and dedicated to driving sustainable development in the industry. We have established our environment-first mission based on three key principles, including the reduction of plastic waste, the advocacy of a low-carbon living style, and the way to avoid food waste. In order to reduce plastic waste, we launched the ‘default cutlery opt-out’ function for our customers as early as 2018.”

“Also, we have signed an industry-wide commitment to be a part of WWF’s Plastic ACTion Initiative and work collectively towards the vision of ‘No Plastic in Nature’ by 2030.  According to a recent survey by foodpanda, 57% of interviewed users have made it clear they would order more from restaurants offering sustainable packaging. The data pointed out that stakeholders in Hong Kong are proactively committed to pursuing sustainable choices. In the upcoming 11 months, we sincerely hope that more restaurant partners can be part of the programme and let us join hands together to provide more environment-friendly dining options for society," Lai added.

Nicole Wong, CEO of WWF-Hong Kong, said: “Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing global issues. To solve this complex problem and achieve our ‘No Plastic in Nature’ goal by 2030, we need to collaborate and drive behavioural change that will reduce plastic waste and help us transition to a circular economy. Over the past 40 years, WWF has proactively worked with the government and all sectors of society to achieve long-term conservation goals through decision and action. We all want to transform Hong Kong into Asia’s most sustainable city.”

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