PolyU Design Students’ Packaging Designs Recognised for Sustainable Impact

We are excited to announce that PolyU Design students stand out among thirty teams in the  “BEST with LESS Hong Kong Tertiary Sustainable Packaging (F&B Industry) Design Competition” (BEST with LESS), clinching the Champion, Most Popular Design Award, and Outstanding Award, while the team formed by students from PolyU Design, PolyU SFT, and CityU were awarded the first runner-up position.

Due to the government's policy banning single-use plastic cutlery in takeout services in Hong Kong, the local food and beverage (F&B) industry faces significant challenges in sourcing sustainable and cost-effective alternatives. In response, the "BEST with Less" competition was organised by Maxim's Group, one of Hong Kong's largest players in the F&B sector. This competition invites tertiary students to design sustainable containers for eateries using materials such as bagasse and paper, aimed at enhancing the current disposable tableware designs. Additionally, the competition promotes efforts in waste reduction, plastic reduction, and carbon footprint reduction.

The judging panel comprises a diverse group of experts, including Prof. Anthony Fung, Director of the Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies (HKIAPS), and Prof. Wu Ka-ming, Director of CSIS, both from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Other members of the panel include Mr Henry Ho, a renowned designer; Mr Stanley Wong, a creative director also known as "Anothermountainman"; Dr Royce Yuen, an adjunct associate professor at the University of Hong Kong and branding expert; Mr Thomas Fan, Head of Quick Service Restaurants; and Mr Pippo Au, Head of Supply Chain, both from Maxim's.

 

The competition featured a series of educational sessions for contestants to enhance their knowledge in sustainable design and materials, as well as the real-life operations of F&B outlets. As one of the leading supporters of sustainable design, PolyU Design was invited to speak in the programme, represented by Ms Man Tsang from our Material Resource Centre.

 

The winning entries from the competition may be used by Maxim's Group's brands, considered for implementation in the catering industry to help reduce plastic usage in Hong Kong, and displayed from 21 to 24 September at New Town Plaza Phase 1 in Shatin. We look forward to our students' designs continuing to make positive and sustainable impact.

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Winning designs by PolyU Design Students include:

GREENMAX: CHAMPION AND MOST POPULAR DESIGN AWARD
By MUI Check Ling, CHOW CHEUK HEI, HUI Jia Min, NG Pui Yee, IP Tsz Yan, WONG Oi Tung

Project Description:
Our packaging design enhances takeaway convenience by improving portability.order redistribution and eco-friendly disposal. It also streamlines efficiency for restaurant staff by reducing container types and preventing packaging errors.

Featuring innovative elements like built-in utensils and lid-integrated cup holders, we use biodegradable paper and bagasse, a renewable sugarcane byproduct, to promote eco-friendliness and recyclability.

Designed for office workers and students, this versatile one-box-for-all packaging simplifies transport and eliminates the need for a carrying bag. We challenge current packaging norms by integrating compartments, eliminating the need for multiple containers for wet-dry separation, and enhancing takeaway convenience and sustainability with innovative solutions.

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自信派門: FIRST RUNNER-UP
By CHAN Lok Yan, ZHU WenYing, and two students from SFT and CityU Project

Description:
Our design effectively addresses the needs of middle-aged to elderly consumers. For those with limited hand dexterity, we use rounded corners and stackable features for safer and more convenient use.

 

The design incorporates breathable perforations and a waterproof coating to ensure structural integrity even in hot and humid environments. Notably, our design employs natural pulp colouring and embossing techniques, replacing traditional printing methods. This reduces environmental impact and enhances recyclability, offering consumers a greener option.

Through the minimalist aesthetics of "Return to Simplicity" and cost-effective, material-efficient manufacturing, we aim to promote a green lifestyle that reduces carbon emissions and waste, raising broader sustainability awareness among customers. Compared to existing options, this packaging design offers higher feasibility for widespread adoption and provides Maxim's Group with a more human and authentic brand image, aligning with its values of sustainability and practicality.

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V523 Studio: OUTSTANDING AWARD
By LIU Pui Ting Betty, CHEUNG Hoi Ho

Project Description:
Our design addresses the lack of eco-friendly elements and user-centric structures in current takeout packaging, offering a more environmentally friendly and innovative option. This design uses recyclable and eco-friendly plant pulp materials with uniquely styled handles. It surpasses similar products in terms of eco-friendliness, usability, and sustainability.

 

We have thoroughly considered the recyclability and compatibility of the design, streamlining takeaway packaging. The rope element allows for reuse, reducing carbon emissions at the source for true sustainability.

 

Our core design principles are flexibility, durability, and ease of transport. "Ease of transport" refers to packaging that allows one person to carry meals for one or two people, emphasising user-centred design. The portability aspect is a novel attempt in both appearance and structure.