Watsons HK and Friso invite Hongkongers to recycle milk powder tins

Watsons Hong Kong and FRISO, a brand under Royal FrieslandCampina, have teamed up to unveil the Watsons x FRISO “Tin2Green Rewards” milk powder tin recycling rewards programme.

This initiative invites citizens to recycle any brand of milk powder tins at around 180 Watsons stores across Hong Kong, promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.

In a conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, a spokesperson from FRISO said the two brands share the same vision and commitment for promoting sustainable living for a greener future.

FRISO initially introduced the smart reverse vending machine recycling campaign for milk powder tins. Now, in collaboration with Watsons Hong Kong, the partnership aims to make recycling more accessible.

Participants will be rewarded with MoneyBack incentives, and further engage in this extensive recycling drive. From now until 31 December 2024, citizens can bring their cleaned and empty milk powder tins of any brand to around 180 Watsons stores in Hong Kong for recycling.

"With Watsons Hong Kong’s extensive store network and its well-established MoneyBack incentive Apps, this programme provides convenience to citizens and encourages their participation in tin recycling. It also aims to integrate recycling habits into participants’ daily life," the spokesperson added.

MoneyBack members will receive one “Tin2Green Reward” programme e-stamp for each returned milk powder tin and redeem one Watsons HK$10 eCoupon for every 10 e-stamps collected.

All empty milk powder tins collected through this programme undergo sorting, with plastic parts removed and recycled separately. The metal parts are compressed into scrap metal and processed into recycled materials, which are then utilised in the production of various construction materials. This process gives the materials a new life and contributes back to the community.

This programme engages the public in clean recycling with appealing incentives. At the same time, the partnership vividly demonstrates two brands’ visions and commitment and builds a better environment together for the next generation, said the spokesperson. "It marks a good testimonial for marketers and advertisers to incorporate “Go Green” mission and user-friendly executions in this programme."

Tracy Fung (pictured right), managing director of FrieslandCampina (Hong Kong), said, “With over 150 years of dairy expertise, FrieslandCampina is dedicated to promoting sustainability. Through initiatives such as the milk powder tin recycling programmes, we aim to inspire a greener lifestyle. In 2021, FRISO launched the pioneering smart reversed vending machine recycling programme."

"Various public activities have been organised to raise awareness about environmental protection. To date, nearly 42,000 milk powder tins have been collected. With the collaboration with Watsons Hong Kong, we extend the recycling programme to all 18 districts in Hong Kong, encouraging parents to lead by example in environmental protection and instilling good habits in the next generation for caring for the earth.," Fung added.

Samuel Lee (pictured left), managing director of Watsons Hong Kong, said, "Watsons Hong Kong has always been a leader in promoting sustainability among the industry. We have started recycling initiatives in 2015, and over the years, we covered all 18 districts across Hong Kong through our strong store network, and actively collaborating with various business partners and recycling organisations, making us Hong Kong’s No.1 most comprehensive recycling retailer – Watsons offers the most comprehensive types of recyclables, from empty bottles in any brands of beauty & cosmetic, personal care and even designated brands healthcare products."

"The initiative received overwhelming response from the public and successfully collected one million bottles in the past three years. With an aim to encourage customers to continue responding to the 'go green' lifestyle, we are delighted to collaborate with FRISO to extend our environmental effort to adult and baby milk powder tins recycling, hoping to raise public awareness of environmental protection and contribute to the planet with our customers. Together let’s look good, do good, feel great," Lee added.

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