An estimated 780 million pieces of plastic packaging were used for goods bought online in Hong Kong last year as more consumers shopped from home amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a green group which called for regulations to deal with the problem.
Local group Green Sense found that an average of 2.32 pieces of packaging were used for each product, but just 35 per cent of respondents to a survey said unnecessary wrapping was an issue, 16 percentage points less than last year.
The group conducted packaging counts at 10 parcel collection stations operated by SF Express, one of the largest couriers in Hong Kong, 17 times in May and June this year. It also collected 209 online questionnaires on internet shopping habits and the use of packaging.
The group’s study also found that on average 2.71 types of packing materials were used in each shopping order. Green Sense said the public might simply throw away most of the wrappings without knowing what to recycle.
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