Page 28 - STAT Trade Times Novemmber 2024 Magazine for Website

interview

UNLOCKING THE

LIMITLESS POTENTIAL OF

ZERO-WASTE UPCYCLING

Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminal Limited (Hactl) chief executive Wilson Kwong speaks to
The STAT Trade Times about zero-waste uniform upcycling, a unique circular economy
and sustainable development initiative that turns old uniforms into upcycled cups,
demonstrating limitless potential of zero-waste upcycling.

When did you think of the zero- both of us. Sing discovered a Japanese vision for NetZero, carbon neutral
waste upcycling project? What company named Ecolog by chance while and be fully sustainable; what are
drove you to this unique initiative? attending an exhibition. This company the key principles and values that
The project was an integral part of the specializes in recycling discarded clothing drive Hactl’s mission?
overall program for uniform redesign and and employs innovative technology to Hactl’s entire sustainability drive is moti-
replacement. With our aim of zero-waste, extract and pelletize polyester fibers from vated and directed by our Sustainability
and after initial research indicated limited old garments. These recycled fibers can Strategy Framework, which covers every
opportunities to avoid sending the old then be used to create items such as recy- aspect of our business, and sets goals and
uniforms to landfill, we were determined clable hangers, cups, holdalls, and other policies that direct every decision and ac-
to find a better solution. Initially, we everyday products. tion. The framework goes far beyond cli-
produced upcycled bags and teddy bears, mate change mitigation to cover ethics,
but we aimed for a more scientific ap- Is this an ongoing partnership with inclusivity and support for our commu-
proach. Hactl continued to explore ways Lo Sing Chin and Ecolog and can we nity: People and Planet before Profit, as
to give new life to the old uniforms, which expect to have similar initiatives in we say. As for the cost, we consider
are made from mixed fibers. However, the the future? Sustainability as essential rather
polyester fiber recycling industry in Hong For us this was really a one-time project than optional; we have one planet,
Kong is currently not well developed, so it necessitated by the exceptional need to we need to fix the damage we
was necessary to seek solutions overseas. dispose 8000 redundant uniforms in a have done, and time is running
responsible manner. But Sing and Ecolog out. But as I frequently say, what
When you have such a great idea of have both learned from their participation, is good for the planet is usually
upclying you have to have a reliable so who knows what Hactl has started? We also good for our business: so
partner to achieve that goal. How always promote our sustainability initia- many of the measures we have
challenging was it to identify Lo tives, and publish the details in our annual introduced for sustainability
Sing Chin (fashion designer) and Sustainability Report and various promo- reasons have also brought com-
Ecolog to get your old uniforms tion platforms, in the hope that others mercial benefits such as greater
upcycled to very aesthetic cups? will see what we have achieved and be efficiency and reduced costs.
Our designer, Sing, shared our passion for inspired to mount their own efforts.
upcycling and recycling fashion, deeply How does Hactl make these and
concerned about the wastefulness of fast Going by the records, Hactl other projects so integral to the
fashion. However, he had little previous has been a conscious player core strategy of the organization
experience in upcycling textile waste on in sustainability projects and and how does the CEO take the
an industrial scale, nor with uniforms and initiatives since 2018 and this is organization on his side to achieve
workwear, making it a learning curve for one of the highlights of Hactl’s such ambitious goals?

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