BACKGROUND

As people in developed societies are more inclined to pursue a materialistic life-style, it appears that only products with very elaborate packaging are readily accepted by consumers, notwithstanding that these appealing packaging materials become urban waste immediately after the products are sold. Statistics released by the Environmental Protection Department between 2001 and 2006 reveal that, in Hong Kong, a consistently high volume of Municipal Solid Waste of which approximately 20% was packaging waste costing 140 million dollars every year was presented for disposal.

Packaging of moon-cakes has become excessive. Research conducted in 2006 by FoE (HK) found that, a pack of four moon-cakes used an average of 13 packaging items, including plastic knives, forks and bowls. The increasing shortage of natural resources and the continuous deterioration of our ecological environment have said it all – we should try to lead a smarter and more simpler way of life.

With the implementation of the environmental levy on plastic bags, it is to be expected that the government will consider including packaging material in the producer responsibility system in order to reduce waste generated by packaging. If consideration for the environment – given when products are designed, waste can then be reduced at source which is far more effective than handling excessive waste after their creation. After all, the rate of waste recycling in Hong Kong is still relatively low.

Let packaging design be the first step in combating waste. This award scheme encourages interested parties to create a mooncake packaging design that is creative, functional, environmentally friendly, simple and appealing at the same time. The design should also allow the packaging piece to be commercially produced and saleable on the consumer market. The entire exercise, intended to be enlightening and educational will add momentum to practices contributing to sustainable development in our society.