20 July 2006, Hong Kong - Press Release
BEC Honors 13 Outstanding Eco-Products in Hong Kong
Biodegradable Food Container, Eco Yarn and Micro Jukebox Receive Top Awards
Business Environment Council (BEC) today hosted the Hong Kong Eco-Products Award (HKEPA) Presentation Ceremony to honor 13 outstanding eco-products. The Award gives recognition for environmental excellence across the product life-cycle of design, manufacture, packaging and transportation, use and disposal. It is led by BEC and co-organized by The Chinese Manufacturer's Association of Hong Kong, The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, The Federation of Hong Kong Industries and The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce to encourage greater awareness of the need for sustainable production and consumption.
"This year, over 60 applications were received from a wide range of categories including electrical & electronic equipment, building materials & facilities, sanitation products, textile & garment, containers, paints and furniture," noted Mr Stephen Fong, Chairman of Business Environment Council. "These entries are a remarkable collection of environmentally friendly products aimed at a very high level of commitment in pollution prevention, waste reduction, energy conservation and environmental protection, in response to the increasing demand for 'green products' from worldwide purchasers and consumers."
Biodegradable Food Containers & Industrial Packaging Products of Roots Biopack Limited received Gold Award, the Silver Award winner was Esquel Group's Eco Yarn, while the Bronze Award winner was Philips Electronics Hong Kong Limited's 6GB GoGear Micro Jukebox HDD 1620.
Dr Andrew Thomson, Chair of Judging Panel and Chief Executive Officer of BEC highlighted the achievement of Gold Winner, "Roots Biopack has made significant contribution to environmental protection and its efforts on developing biodegradable containers from agricultural residues is encouraging, this year, by incorporating new technologies for colouring and coating, the application of biodegradable containers can be broadened. Roots Biopack has also considered the life cycle impact of its products and with its continuous improvements, the whole life cycle of the product is becoming more environmentally sound."
In addition, ten products received Notable Mentions, including T & K Lighting Management System of e.Energy Lighting Limited, Germicidal Air Purifier and Plasma Disinfection Fan Coil Unit (Cassette Type) of Interactive Systems & Technologies Limited, LEJ Luminaire (High Bay Series) of Japan Ecotech Ltd, Eco-glass Block of Laputa Eco-construction Material Co. Ltd., Halogen Free High Definition Multimedia Interface Cable of LTK Industries Limited, Low Profile Low Cost High Efficiency Power Supplies of PolyU Technology & Consultancy Company Limited, Green Panel of Strongly International Ltd, Energy Recovery Heat Pipe of Synergy Engineering Solutions Limited, as well as Mobile Lavatory System of Waste & Environmental Technologies Ltd.
"As consumers become more concerned about environmental issues, they will demand more eco-products. This will help drive Hong Kong companies to develop more innovative and environmentally friendly products for domestic consumption as well as higher awareness of energy consumption in the manufacturing of the products," noted Prof. Anna Sohmen, Honorary Patron of Hong Kong Eco-Products Award and Honorary President of The Chinese Manufacturers?Association of Hong Kong.
"In Mainland China, the Central Government has put much emphasis in the Eleventh Five Year Plan on the promotion of environmentally friendly products. And in the European Union (EU), the Integrated Product Policy seeks to stimulate market of environmentally friendly products through economic instruments (such as taxation) and encouraging eco-design. The trend towards 'green products' is undeniable. Therefore, we hope that participants as well as companies in Hong Kong will continue their commitment to the design and production of more environmentally friendly products in the future." Mr Fong added.
The Award assessments covered entrants' attributes across their life cycle: design, manufacture, packaging, use, and end of life, in consideration of the criteria of energy, materials, recyclability, reusability, waste, toxic substances and others appropriate to each entry. Participants benefit not only from gaining recognition for their product excellence, but also open up new market opportunities and tap into the rise of green consumerism. They can also learn through the award assessment how they can further improve their products from cradle to cradle.
Click here to find out more on Hong Kong Eco-Products Award 2006.
About the Business Environment Council (www.bec.org.hk)
The Business Environment Council (BEC) is an independent, non-profit organization set up by business for business as an environmental solutions provider. BEC's services include consultancy, research, training and award programs for companies across all sectors and at any stage of their corporate sustainability journey. BEC is a membership organization based in Hong Kong with offices in Beijing and Shenzhen.
BEC's Council Members include CLP, China Resources Enterprise, Gammon Construction, Great Eagle Company, Hongkong Electric Company, HSBC, Hongkong International Terminals, Jardine Pacific, Kowloon-Canton Railway, KMB, PCCW, Shell, the Swire Group, Modern Terminals and Wheelock. BEC's broader membership extends to a network of more than 20,000 companies.
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