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FAQs - About Charter Application

Q.1: Who is eligible to join the Charter? 
A.1: The Charter targets 8 key business sectors: (1) Supermarkets and grocery stores; (2) Logistics; (3) E-commerce; (4) Hotel and hospitality; (5) Electronics and electrical appliances; (6) Beverage manufacturing; (7) Food manufacturing; and (8) Importers. Additionally, businesses involved in the use of packaging materials are eligible to join. Please specify your business nature under “Others” in Part A of the Application Form. 
Q.2: Is there a fee for participating in the Charter and applying for the Awards ? 
A.2: No, participation in the Charter and Awards application is entirely free of charge. 
Q.3: What documents are required to apply for the Charter? 

A.3: Participants are only required to complete the online application form. After submission, we will request the following documents via email: 

  • A copy of Business Registration Certificate (if applicable); and
  • The Company logo (in .jpeg and .ai formats).

Please note that no packaging data is required at the time of application. Participants are required to submit their annual total packaging material used (via the designated electronic template provided) by 31 July 2026 for the first year of joining the Charter. 

Q.4: Do we need to customise annual total packaging material used for submission? 
A.4: No, participants should submit the packaging data using the designated electronic template provided under the Charter. 
Q.5: What documents are required to apply for the Platinum Award or Gold Award? 

A.5: To apply for the Platinum or Gold Award, participants must select a BASE YEAR 2019 - 2024 for assessment. Participants are required to complete and submit the annual total packaging material used (via the designated electronic template provided) to substantiate their performance for the BASE YEAR and the first year by 31 July 2026. Additional requirements are as follows: 

  • a) For participants aiming to fulfil Aspect 1 and achieve Platinum or Gold Award:
    • Submit the total quantity of packaging consumed for at least two selected finished products/ materials.
  • b) For participants aiming to fulfil Aspect 2 and achieve Platinum or Gold Award:
    • Submit the total quantity of recycled materials versus virgin material consumed for at least one finished product/ material; or
    • Submit the total quantity of recyclable materials versus non-recyclable material consumed for at least one finished product/ material.

For participants rejoining the award in subsequent years, the previous year’s data will serve as the BASE YEAR for comparison. This approach encourages ongoing improvements in packaging reduction efforts and ensures a meaningful evaluation of progress. 

Q.6: What are the assessment aspects of the Charter? 
A.6: The Charter’s framework evaluates five key aspects to minimise packaging consumption and waste: (i) Packaging Reduction, (ii) Packaging Recyclability, (iii) Packaging Reuse, (iv) Sustainable Packaging, and (v) Promotion of Packaging Reduction. Each aspect is assessed to measure the effectiveness of an organisation’s packaging strategies. 
Q.7: Will my company be disqualified for not meeting any of the aspect requirements or failing to submit the annual total packaging material used? 
A.7: The award recognition aims to acknowledge organisations’ dedication to packaging reduction and sustainable packaging innovation. Organisations will NOT be disqualified for failing to meet aspect requirements provided that they submit their annual total packaging material usage data. However, Charter Signatories who fail to submit the annual total packaging material data may receive reminders. A mechanism for removal from the Charter after multiple reminders is being developed. 
Q.8: If my organisation currently has no packaging data, can we still join the Charter? 
A.8: Yes, companies without packaging data can join. The first year of joining will be considered the BASE YEAR. 
Q.9: Can we select a base year earlier than 2019? 
A.9: No, the base year must fall between 2019 – 2024. 
Q.10: Can an organisation obtain the Platinum Award for two consecutive years? 
A.10: Yes, organisations may achieve the Platinum Award consecutively. Data submitted in the previous year will serve as the baseline for comparison, ensuring continuous improvement. 
Q.11: For Aspect 1, do we need to keep reducing 1% annually for the same finished products if we re-join the Charter? 
A.11: No, participants may select different finished products to fulfil Aspect 1 requirements upon rejoining. 
Q.12: Is the 1% packaging reduction mandatory for joining the Charter? 
A.12: No, the 1% reduction applies only to applicants aiming for the Platinum Award and is required for at least two selected products. 
Q.13: Can different products be used for Aspects 1 and 2? 
A.13: Yes, the products used for Aspect 2 do not need to be the same as those for Aspect 1. 
Q.14: Can we change the target class of Awards AFTER submitting the Application Form? 
A.14: Yes, each participant can change the target class of the Awards ONCE after submitting the Application Form. A written request should be sent via email to lesspackagingcharter@bec.org.hk to notify the change. 
Q.15: When will the evaluation process take place? 
A.15: The evaluation will occur in Q3 of 2026, with awardees notified by the end of that quarter. 
Q.16: What happens if an organisation does not meet the criteria? 
A.16: Organisations that do not meet the criteria will receive feedback on how to improve their practices to achieve packaging reduction goals. 
Q.17: What supporting measures does the Charter offer? 

A.17: The Charter provides the following supporting measures: 

  • Promotion of the Charter through a dedicated website and social media;
  • Regular publication of participating organisations;
  • Technical support on sustainable packaging;
  • Hosting promotional events like a launching ceremony and awards presentation; and
  • Issuance of the Charter logo and certificate for participants to display in-store and on corporate materials (e.g., sustainability reports), showcasing their commitment to sustainability.
Q.18: What is the definition of “Recyclable Packaging Material” under Aspect 2? 
A.18: Recyclable packaging material refers to materials accepted by the local community recycling network (i.e., GREEN@COMMUNITY). 
Q.19: What is the definition of “Recycled Content” under Aspect 2? 
A.19: Recycled content is the portion of a product made from materials that have been reused, instead of virgin material (e.g., rPET, recycled paper). This reduces the need for new resources. 
Q.20: How can businesses promote the Charter and encourage staff or business partners to reduce packaging use and adopt sustainable practices? 

A.20: Participating organisations can take the following steps to promote the Charter: 

  • Sharing information about their packaging reduction initiatives and eco-friendly product lines for publication on the Charter’s official website;
  • Highlighting their packaging reduction efforts through corporate social media, websites, and sustainability reports; and
  • Providing staff training on packaging reduction strategies to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively advocate sustainable practices among employees and business partners.