TamJai sister brands partners academic sectors to upcycle surplus pork belly

TamJai sister brands have collaborated with the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) and the New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (NLPRA) to repurpose surplus pork belly from its central kitchen into an array of lifestyle products.  

As one of the restaurant groups in Hong Kong to utilise surplus pork belly in upcycling, TamJai International is extending the brand’s innovative spirit to encompass ESG principles, nurturing young talents for green innovation, fostering community care and infusing society with positivity. 

The upcycled product series features a lemon lip balm, handmade soap and scented candle, all packaged with a chic pouch and playful stickers. This collection not only radiates the charm of the upcycled products in a light-hearted manner but also serves as a warm reminder for the public to prioritise their wellbeing and that of their loved ones.  

The group’s frontline staff, known as “TamJai Jeh Jehs”, also take the spotlight in a humorous short video showcasing the behind-the-scenes process of upcycling pork belly. These limited edition products will be available at 20 designated TamJai and SamGor stores starting 10 March, with a portion of the sale proceeds allocated for charitable purposes. 

The oil base used in the three products is derived from surplus pork belly from the central kitchens of “TamJai” and “SamGor”. The group’s R&D department teamed up with teachers and students from the Higher Diploma in Food Technology and Safety at IVE to extract oil from the pork belly using ground-breaking technology. This oil is subsequently transformed into renewable material, which is repurposed into unique lifestyle products after the addition of essential oils. 

Trainees in mental recovery from the NLPRA were also invited to participate in the project. They were trained by instructors and guided through the entire product manufacturing process, from mixing, measuring, heating, dissolving and moulding of oils to the final stage of packaging. This initiative has not only uplifted their workplace skills but also empowered them to lead active and fulfilling lives by providing them with job opportunities. 

Students from the higher diploma programmes in visual communication design and advertising design at HKDI showed their keen sense of aesthetics by applying their creativity and talents to tell a compelling product story. They designed a super cute character “Porky Angel” (腩肉小天使), a pink piglet with a distinctive halo on its head, symbolising the abundance of green and innovative ideas it can bring to brighten up people’s lives. 

To amplify the initiative, official social media accounts for SamGor and TamJai have been launched. Meanwhile, a funny video highlighting the production process for upcycling products starred by TamJai Jeh Jehs will be available on YouTube, as well as in-app promotions on CRM for the sister brands.

Daren Lau, chairman, executive director and chief executive officer of TJI, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with IVE, HKDI and the NLPRA to bring this innovative cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary partnerships to life among the business, social welfare and academic sectors. By combining environmental protection, community care and creative design, this project enables Tam Jai to realise our three core ESG values, which are ‘Nourishing Communities’, ‘Uplifting People’ and ‘Preserving Nature’.” 

“This project attaches great significance as it provides students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and empowers individuals in mental recovery to uplift their workplace skills. Besides, it promotes green innovation by upcycling surplus food to curb food waste, and raises awareness of physical and mental wellbeing. We are committed to upholding our environmental and social responsibilities, striving to contribute to a sustainable future,” Lau added.

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