"International Conference on Greening Our Future: Reshaping the Plastics Industry for Business Sustainability" Concludes Successfully Experts Gather to Drive Green Transformation and Net-Zero Emissions in the Plastics Industry

(Hong Kong, September 9, 2025) Sponsored by the Hong Kong Plastics Manufacturers Association (HKPMA) and organised by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), the “International Conference on Greening Our Future: Reshaping the Plastics Industry for Business Sustainability” under General Support Programme of Innovation and Technology Fund, was successfully held today in Hong Kong. The conference focused on driving the green transformation of the plastics industry, exploring pathways towards net-zero emissions and circular economy models. Over hundred participants, including experts, scholars, and industry leaders from the plastics sector, academic institutions, and related fields, attended the event. Centered on three key themes – Plastics Recycling, Net-Zero Life Cycle Emissions, and Plastics Safety and Sustainability – the conference showcased cutting-edge research and practical insights while presenting forward-thinking solutions to support the sustainable development of the plastics industry.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. HUI Man-wai, Andrew, Chairman of the HKPMA said, "The plastics industry plays an indispensable role in modern society, not only as a material in manufacturing but also serve as a vital material in sectors such as healthcare, construction, and infrastructure, ensuring they operate effectively and efficiently. As global attention on environmental issues growing, the plastics industry stands at a transformative moment of change. We hope this conference provides a professional platform to combine innovative technologies with global best practices, driving the industry towards net-zero emissions and a circular economy. Furthermore, we hope Hong Kong, with its international advantages and professional expertise, can serve as a key engine in advancing the global green transformation of the plastics industry."

Mr. Yonghai DU, Chief Innovation Officer of the HKPC presented in his welcome remarks, “The global plastics industry is currently undergoing a profound transformation, driven by increasing environmental awareness and stringent regulatory frameworks. As a key member of Hong Kong's innovation and technology ecosystem, and one of the city’s five major public R&D institutions, HKPC is committed to leveraging advanced technologies and innovative service offerings including sustainable material solutions, enhanced recycling capabilities, and low-carbon industrial practices, to to accelerate green transformation across industries. We are delighted to organise this event and welcome leaders and experts from various countries and regions to join, where we will explore the future of plastics through the lens of innovation and circularity. Looking ahead, HKPC will strengthen collaboration with stakeholders in Hong Kong, the mainland and around the globe, to drive progress toward a greener future for the industry.”

Mr. LIU Kong-cheung, Aaron, JP, Director-General of Trade and Industry, said in his opening remarks that the plastics industry, like many traditional manufacturing sectors, faced both challenges and opportunities in the transformation to sustainability. He underlined the Trade and Industry Department’s (TID) commitment to supporting industries and SMEs through the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) for green transformation projects and the Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund (TSF) for projects on carbon management and sustainable transformation. He also pointed to the newly launched “Decarbonisation‧Business Action” thematic webpage of TID, together with the “Four-in-One” services of the SME Centres¹and “SME ReachOut”, which would help strengthen the capacity of the plastics industry towards sustainability.

Plastics and Microplastics: A Scientific Perspective
Dr. Chris DeArmitt, internationally renowned materials science expert and President of Phantom Plastics LLC delivered a presentation titled "The Truth About Plastics Plus Scientifically Proven Solutions" based on his book, The Plastics Paradox. Addressing public concerns about plastics and microplastics, he emphasized that plastics are a misunderstood material, with research showing that plastics, during use and disposal, do not pose significant threats to the environment or human health. Dr. DeArmitt cited multiple international studies, noting that many toxicity tests on microplastics were conducted at concentrations far exceeding real-world levels, rendering their conclusions scientifically invalid. He also highlighted research showing that microplastics do not accumulate long-term in aquatic organisms and have no proven toxicity. He expected the public to understand the value of plastics and emphasised achieving environmental protection goals through efficient management and recycling to maximise resource utilisation.

Professor Elvis AU, BBS, Adjunct Professor of the University of Hong Kong, former Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Department of the HKSAR Government and Co-founder of IESG Technologies Ltd presented Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a globally recognised methodology adopted by the European Union (EU) to assess the environmental impact of plastics across their entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. He further explained how the EU utilises LCA standards to drive improvements in the sustainability of plastics. Additionally, Mr. Frank SCHEPERS, global circular economy expert and General Director of TML Plastic Mongolia provided valuable insights into the "Bottle-to-Bottle" closed-loop circular economy model, showcasing how cutting-edge recycling technologies facilitate the efficient regeneration of plastics.

The conference highlighted a range of technological innovations, offering viable solutions for plastics recycling and green transformation. Mr. Eddie LIN, Business Development Manager - Taiwan of Totalenergies Corbion shared insights on the low-carbon footprint of PLA and advanced recycling technologies, while Mr. Michio KOMATSU, President of Komatsu & Associates introduced cutting-edge examples of Japan's PLA injection molding techniques, providing valuable expertise for the commercialisation of bioplastics. Dr. Grzegorz LISAK, Associate Professor of School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University elaborated on integrated waste treatment technologies and carbon (CO2) capture and conversion techniques to promote low-carbon production models.

The conference also featured two panel discussion sessions moderated by Mr. Isaac MA, Director of the Hong Kong Plastics Manufacturers Association. The first session highlighted engaging and fruitful discussions with Mr. Eddie LIN, Dr. Chris DeArmitt, and Mr. Michio KOMATSU. The second session, featuring Dr. Grzegorz LISAK, Professor Elvis AU, Dr. Chris DeArmitt, and Mr. Frank SCHEPERS, centered on the application of technological innovations and the future development of the plastics industry.

¹The four SME Centres are the Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs under TID; the “SME Centre” under the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; the “SME One” under the Hong Kong Productivity Council; and the “TecOne” under the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation.

- Ends -

Mr. Eric SUN, President of the Hong Kong Plastics Manufacturers Association (5th Right), Mr. HUI Man-wai, Andrew, Chairman of the Hong Kong Plastics Manufacturers Association (6th Left), and Mr. Yonghai DU, Chief Innovation Officer of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (4th Left), Mr. LIU Kong-cheung, Aaron, JP, Director-General of Trade and Industry (5th Left) joined by keynote speakers including internationally Dr. Chris DeArmitt, internationally renowned materials science expert and President of Phantom Plastics LLC (3rd Left), Mr. Frank SCHEPERS, global circular economy expert and General Director of TML Plastic Mongolia (1st Left), and Professor Elvis AU, BBS, Adjunct Professor of the University of Hong Kong, former Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Department of the HKSAR Government and Co-founder of IESG Technologies Ltd (4th Right), Mr. Eddie LIN, Business Development Manager - Taiwan of Totalenergies Corbion (2nd Right), Mr. Michio KOMATSU, President of Komatsu & Associates (3rd Right), Dr. Grzegorz LISAK, Associate Professor of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (2nd Left), and Ir Samson SUEN, General Manager of the Smart Manufacturing, Hong Kong Productivity Council (1st Right), gathered to officially launch the “International Conference on Greening Our Future: Reshaping the Plastics Industry for Business Sustainability” driving the green transformation of the plastics industry.

Mr. HUI Man-wai, Andrew, Chairman of the HKPMA stated that he looks forward to Hong Kong, leveraging its international advantages and professional expertise to become a key engine in advancing the global green transformation of the plastics industry.

Mr. Yonghai DU, Chief Innovation Officer of the HKPC presented in his welcome remarks that HKPC is committed to leveraging advanced technologies and innovative service offerings to accelerate green transformation across industries.

Mr. LIU Kong-cheung, Aaron, JP, Director-General of Trade and Industry, delivered the opening speech at the “International Conference on Greening Our Future: Reshaping the Plastics Industry for Business Sustainability”, officially kicking off the event.

Internationally renowned materials science expert, Dr. Chris DeArmitt, delivered a presentation titled "The Truth About Plastics Plus Scientifically Proven Solutions" based on his book, The Plastics Paradox.