Advancing PET Circularity through Academic–Industry Collaboration
As a leading recycling plant committed to advancing sustainable resource management in Hong Kong, we are proud to collaborate with the School of Energy and Environment (SEE) at City University of Hong Kong (CityU). This partnership bridges industrial practice and academic research, integrating real-world waste management operations with cutting-edge scientific innovation to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy.
From Research to Real-World Sustainable Solutions
Our collaboration encompasses both advanced research initiatives and educational engagement, strengthening the link between sustainable technology development and practical implementation.
One of the principal research areas within this partnership is the development of innovative solutions for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste, widely used in plastic beverage bottles.
Research Focus
This project explores an integrated approach that combines:
Enzymatic depolymerisation
Employing biocatalysts (enzymes) to selectively break down PET polymers into their monomer building blocks under mild and environmentally responsible conditions.
Photocatalytic reforming
Converting plastic waste through photo-assisted upcycling into high-value chemicals and fuels using biohybrid treatment processes.
Objective
- Improve the efficiency of PET recycling and upcycling under environmentally sustainable conditions
- Reduce energy consumption compared with conventional thermal or chemical recycling methods
- Convert plastic waste into high-value products
- Support Hong Kong’s carbon neutrality and waste reduction targets
By integrating biohybrid processes and photocatalysis, this research establishes a next-generation upcycling pathway. Moving beyond traditional mechanical methods, it transforms plastic waste into high-value resources rather than settling for downcycled materials.
- Post-consumer PET feedstock
- Real-world operational data
- Pilot-scale validation opportunities
- Industrial expertise to support scalability and commercialisation
Together with CityU’s scientific expertise, we aim to develop a viable and scalable solution that enhances PET circularity in Hong Kong and beyond.
Collaboration with the School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
Interactive Recycling Gaming Installation
As part of our ongoing commitment to innovation in sustainability education and public engagement, we are collaborating with the School of Design at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to develop an interactive gaming installation powered by immersive technology.
Collaboration with the School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
Interactive Recycling Gaming Installation
As part of our ongoing commitment to innovation in sustainability education and public engagement, we are collaborating with the School of Design at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to develop an interactive gaming installation powered by immersive technology.
Project Vision
The initiative aims to:
- Increase community participation in recycling activities
- Promote behavioural change through gamification
- Create new opportunities to utilise recycled plastic materials
- Inspire young people to engage in circular economy practices
- Establish a replicable model that can be deployed across districts in Hong Kong
Focus on Youth Engagement
Young people represent a primary target audience for this initiative. Through collaboration with PolyU’s School of Design, the installation will be:
- Visually compelling and youth-focused
- Interactive rather than purely instructional
- Informed by principles of behavioural psychology
- Designed to encourage peer-to-peer engagement
Towards a Smarter Circular Economy
This interactive gaming installation represents a new generation of recycling engagement — where technology, design and sustainability converge.
By transforming recycled plastic into both material and message, and by empowering residents — particularly young people — through immersive participation, we aim not only to increase recycling rates but also to cultivate a lasting culture of environmental responsibility.