MTR joins hands with foodpanda HK and WWF to promote plastic reduction

MTR Corporation has joined forces with foodpanda Hong Kong and WWF Hong Kong (WWF) to unveil a public reusable food container self-service lending machine at Hong Kong station, as part of its "plastic reduction" campaign. 

This follows WWF and foodpanda’s collaboration in launching Hong Kong’s first reusable food packaging pilot programme in October 2022 with the support from the Environment Conservation Fund. The addition of MTR is an extension of this programme, whereby MTR sponsored the installation of the self-service reusable food container lending machine at Hong Kong station with an additional provision of 2,000 reusable food containers.

Also known as "Embarking on a Green Journey by Choosing to Reuse - Reusable Food Container Scheme at Hong Kong Station”, the initiative hopes to encourage the public to borrow reusable food containers with ease and return them to dedicated reusable container collection machines.

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Starting 12 December 2023, the reusable food-container self-service lending and collection machines are ready for public use at Level 1 at Hong Kong Station, while the reusable food-container can also be returned to nine other designated collection points, including the World-Wide House and Admiralty Centre. One more collection point is planned for Sai Ying Pun Station, and it will become available in the first quarter of 2024.  

This tripartite collaboration will last until at least July 2024, while involved partners will review its effectiveness to explore further opportunities for collaboration, according to the statement. 

As part of the campaign, MTR has also invited 10 takeaway F&B shops in Hong Kong Station to join the plastic reduction initiative and accept customers’ borrowed food containers meals, including Tong Kee Bao Dim, Hung Fook Tong, Starbucks, Hana-musubi, amongst others. 

“As a low-carbon public transportation operator, MTR has actively supported the journey towards a green future. We are thrilled to launch the MTR Shops Plastic Reduction Campaign, with strong support from the majority of F&B shops across our network. We are also delighted to introduce the joint initiative of the Hong Kong Station Reusable Container Programme with WWF and foodpanda, leveraging the strengths of all three partners to encourage a shift away from disposable culture," said Jeny Yeung, managing director, Hong Kong Transport Services of MTR Corporation.

Meanwhile, Ryan Lai Wai Yan, chief executive officer of foodpanda Hong Kong, said: “To enhance user convenience, we extended the process of returning food containers to our delivery fleet in the middle of this year. Couriers can now return clean reusable containers on behalf of users, earning additional income while also boosting the return rate.” 

Lai added that adjustments have been made to the design of the existing containers to save container storage space for partner restaurants, and the new containers will be introduced in the first quarter of next year. 

Bosco Chan Pui-lok, director of conservation of WWF Hong Kong, said: “The pilot programme, funded by the Environmental and Conservation Fund, has demonstrated the feasibility of reusable food packaging rental. Phase 2 of the programme will explore additional operational models for reusable food packaging rental. We are pleased to collaborate with foodpanda and the MTR Corporation, greatly enhancing the scalability of reusable food container rental and providing more opportunities for the public to practise - environmental conservation.” 

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