Plastic pollution is set to worsen. A 2022 OECD report estimates that the total amount of global plastic waste will almost triple by 2060 and two-thirds are short-lived items including plastic packaging. Also, plastic leakages are set to double by 2060, furthering concerns about plastic pollution in our marine ecosystem. The latest scientific research also found that microplastics on the deep ocean floor were more abundant than expected and now serve as the “oceans’ garbage dump”.
However, Hong Kong’s latest data provides an optimistic outlook with daily per capita waste decreasing from a high of 1.53kg (2018) to 1.44kg (2020). The amount of plastic recycled locally also increased by around 27% compared to 2019, lowering the chances of plastic pollution when it’s exported to other countries with more lax environmental regulations. Though opportunities still exist for Hongkongers to better recycle plastics as our recycling rate is only 11%, lower than that of China at 17.6%.
Nan Fung Group has always placed great emphasis on transforming our society for the better. As part of the organization’s innovation arm, The Mills Fabrica seeks to redefine the meaning of retail by relaunching Fabrica X, our retail space at The Mills Tsuen Wan, into an Impact Retail store, placing education, experiential and sustainable retail as our core pillars – with the ambition of becoming an avenue to educate, inspire and motivate the public to live more sustainability. It’s also a space to showcase innovative brands such that Fabrica X becomes one’s first step towards a lifelong journey of change.
In the coming months, our newly revamped Impact Retail store will focus on the issue of ocean plastic pollution. We have curated a mini-exhibition to reconnect visitors with the current state of our ocean, showing the breadth and depth of plastic’s impact on environmental and human health. Simple tips on how to first and foremost reduce and reuse plastics are also highlighted. Art pieces have also been specially made from salvaged local plastic waste to “bringing the problem closer to reality”.
As part of Fabrica X’s experimental DNA, we have miniaturized a commercial recycling system in partnership with a local social enterprise The Ocean Material and placed it inside our Impact Retail store.
It’s hoped that by providing an opportunity for the public to recycle plastic waste with their own hands, a better understanding of the versatility and intrinsic value of plastic waste can be obtained. Through this collaboration Fabrica X hopes to motivate the public to be more environmentally conscious and recycle more plastic waste.
As part of Nan Fung Group’s commitment to our community and environment, Fabrica X has also set up a plastic sorting station for the public to bring their recyclables for recycling. Better still, individuals can use their own type 2 or 5 plastic waste, commonly found in detergent bottles or plastic takeaway containers, and upcycle it into flower pots, combs, spinners and rulers using our “mini-recycling” machines – perfect for kids and families. The recycling workshop is free and will be hosted from July to October.
A selection of sustainable brands advocating for the use of recycled ocean plastics to create athleisure wear, swimwear to accessories
The Impact Retail store also showcases innovative brands that use recycled plastic waste as raw materials to produce creative and innovative products. This includes Resolar, OCIN, W;ink Atelier and Rising Lotus with products ranging from eyewear made from 100% recycled plastics; to swimwear made from recycled fishing nets; to athleisure wear made from post-consumer plastic waste; and handmade jewellery made from upcycled plastics. They all have one thing in common and that’s advocating for an end to fashion’s reliance on virgin plastics.
The three pillars of our Impact Retail store – education, experiential and sustainable retail – goes beyond helping the public to critically reflect on their relationship with nature, but also show that every small action counts and does have a real-world impact.
For more information:
Fabrica X, located at shop 108 at The Mills Tsuen Wan, is open from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm on weekdays and 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm on weekends. Visit us to learn more about the impact of plastic pollution, and the steps you can take to limit the issue and book a free recycling workshop to transform your plastic waste (type 2 and 5) into new products.
