Plastic pollution is prevalent throughout the globe, from East Asian coast all the way to Antarctica. Following the enactment of the Paris Agreement at the UN Environment Assembly, the Global Plastics Treaty, another legally binding landmark document, was approved, which aims to implement regulations and standards covering the entire lifecycle of plastics, including its production, consumption, and disposal, by 2024.

It is noteworthy that, among the 460 million tons of plastic items produced each year globally, only 9% is recycled. In Hong Kong alone, 200 tons of plastic utensils and 180 tons of plastic bottles are being thrown away every day, not to mention the microplastic particles released to the ocean via sewage treatment facilities in billions or even tens of billions. Therefore, the only way to slash plastic pollution by 80% before 2040 is to avoid the production of unnecessary plastic items in the first place, as United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) holds as the top priority, while recycling should only be seen as a last resort.

EcoDrive Hong Kong, a nonprofit environmental organization, began to promote the annual event “Plastic-Free Day” on every 30 May since 2019.

Through collaborating with various organizations and artists in the Enough Plastic campaign, EcoDrive strives to educate the public about reducing the consumption of single-use plastic (SUP) items. Maxim’s continues its active participation this year — marketing materials on “There’s always a NoSUP way”, the theme of this year’s Plastic-Free Day, are placed in noticeable places in the Group’s Quick Service, Cakes and Bakeries, Western Cuisine, Chinese Cuisine outlets as well as the headquarter canteen, just so the four campaign ambassadors — Lin Min-chen, Adam Pak, Mandy Tam and ANSONBEAN — are always by our customers’ side, cutting SUP together!

Although things are always easier said than done, with utmost determination and priority given to source reduction, there’s no doubt that the Earth will become a better, greener place!