Hactl turns old uniforms into upcycled cups

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals (Hactl), Hong Kong’s largest independent handler, has successfully transformed its old staff uniforms into 5,000 upcycled cups through its zero-waste uniform upcycling project.

"The initiative marks the first zero-waste upcycling project for old clothing in the history of Hong Kong’s aviation industry," says an official release.

The old uniforms were made of durable, waterproof blended fibres, which are typically difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills, the release added. "Through the project, polyester fibres from the old uniforms were recycled through melt-granulation and other processes into raw plastic granules that were then used to manufacture recyclable plastic cups. The project has demonstrated the unlimited possibilities of zero-waste upcycling of old uniforms for the aviation industry and other sectors."

Wilson Kwong, Chief Executive, Hactl says: “In Hong Kong, the aviation industry, like many industries, provides uniforms for frontline staff. Dealing with old uniforms is an important environmental issue. We hope that through this project, we can break through traditional limitations and recycle old uniforms to achieve zero-waste upcycling, and reduce the burden on landfills while encouraging the industry to contribute towards a circular economy and sustainable development.”

Since launching its Green Terminal programme in 2018, Hactl has been making positive impacts on the community and environment. It has committed to achieving a 75 percent waste recycling rate by 2030. The zero-waste uniform upcycling project is one of Hactl’s most significant initiatives to help realise the goal, the release added.