Will Hong Kong’s single-use plastics ban recycle one problem into another? Green groups warn of dangerous substitute items
- Green groups say Hong Kong’s two-stage ban omits paper packaging using waterproof coatings that can generate microplastic and release ‘forever chemicals’
- ‘Besides environmental protection, such substitutes should meet food safety conditions,’ Green Earth adds
As Hong Kong prepares to launch the first stage of its single-use plastics ban on April 22, the Post looks at the policy’s potential pitfalls and how the public can adjust to the shake-up.
The two NGOs also took aim at a pair of lists from authorities covering exempted materials and supplies considered environmentally friendly and warned some had waterproof coatings that could release microplastics and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
PFAS are a group of 12,000 chemicals considered by health officials worldwide to be linked to health problems ranging from obesity to cancer, with some countries and territories pushing to ban their use in food packaging.
Thomas Chan Ting-hin, an environmental affairs associate at The Green Earth, said: “Besides environmental protection, such substitutes should meet food safety conditions.”
Hong Kong will introduce the first stage in the two-part ban on April 22, which will cover styrofoam products and throwaway utensils such as cutlery and straws offered at takeaway spots.
Single-use plastic cups and boxes will also no longer be available to patrons dining in.