Topic 1
Plastics and sustainable development

Abstract
In Europe there is general agreement on the Brundtland definition of Sustainable Development, which recognises the importance of economic development and social progress alongside minimising environmental impacts. While plastics play an essential role in contributing to these aims, the public perception of plastics is often negative when compared to that of other materials. EU legislation is very important in meeting the goals of sustainable development. Energy savings and the minimisation of global warming have perhaps the highest priority, but other impacts such as land use should not be neglected. By considering the whole life-cycle of products it is possible to identify ways to improve the sustainability of certain ‘services’ provided by materials such as plastics. Innovations can be in the production phase, the use-phase and at end-of-life. Packaging for example can avoid product losses which would use many more resources than needed for the packaging. Now, with the target of sustainable development, it is increasingly accepted that the degree of diversion from landfill (for recovery) is the most important factor in the waste phase.

Topic 2
European legislation for products at end-of-life and current best practices for plastics waste management

Abstract
Several conditions have changed significantly since the previous conference in Beijing in 2006 including much higher oil prices and a slowdown in economies. Although the high oil prices can affect economic growth, they do act as a stimulus to improve energy efficiencies.

Of the many elements involved in waste legislation, a major aspect is that of Producer Responsibility. Directives are now established for waste from Packaging, Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and End-of Life Vehicles. Unlike the other Directives, the Packaging and Packaging Waste (P&PW) Directive specifies the proportion of the various materials to be recycled, with also a limited scope for energy recovery. It must be realised, though, that there are essential related investments and costs to be made in order to establish viable schemes. While recycling targets per material are defined, in actual practice packaging waste is generally just part of municipal solid waste (MSW) or industrial waste. When considering waste management, plastics waste should not be considered in isolation, but as part of an overall system for treating general waste streams. In order to ensure the future benefits of good waste management, investments need to be made. This is not only in terms of technology, but also in terms of engaging, educating and encouraging the public and enterprises to assist the waste management by sorting specific waste for collection.

Topic
Plastic Shopping Bags and Environmental Levy

Abstract
The "abuse" of plastic shopping bags is a serious and visible environmental problem in Hong Kong. Our landfill survey suggests that more than eight billion plastic shopping bags are disposed of at our landfills every year. This translates into more than three plastic shopping bags per person per day, which is much higher that the figures of our overseas counterparts, and is clearly beyond our daily need.

Since as early as 1993, the Government has been promoting the message of "Bring Your Own Bag" through community campaigns. In recent years, the Government has also signed "Voluntary Agreement on Plastic Bag Reductions" with major retailers and supported green groups to organize "No Plastic Bag Day". While these initiatives have been successful in raising public awareness on the issue, the disposal of plastic shopping bags remains unabated.

To address the "abuse" of plastic shopping bags at source, the Government proposed to impose an environmental levy on plastic shopping bags, with the first phase covering chain and large supermarkets, convenience stores and personal health and beauty stores. The proposal received overwhelming public support, and the legislation, namely the Product Eco-responsibility Ordinance, was enacted in July 2008. Subject to the finalization of implementation details, it is our plan to launch the environmental levy scheme next year.

Aside from reduction at source through the environmental levy, the Government also encourages the reuse, recovery and recycling of plastic shopping bags, through source separation of waste programme, 3-colored waste separation bins and community campaigns organized by green groups.

Topic
Biodegradable and Biobased Plastics

Abstract
Bio-based and biodegradable plastics are on the rise: Numerous new products have been developed, achievable properties are much more diverse and possible applications for these materials are much more versatile than they were just a few years ago. With regard to the end-of-life phase, biodegradable and compostable plastics offer additional recovery options, like composting or anaerobic digestion. Biodegradability is a special feature which is particularly attractive when economic and/or ecological benefits can be gained by leaving plastic products in the soil or biowaste stream. For example, used as biowaste bags, biodegradable plastics support a clean separation and collection of organic waste: divert from landfill towards high-quality compost production. Composting is important for different countries when soil erosion is a serious problem.

Topic
"Experiences of Plastic Waste Management in Japan, focusing on Public Awareness Campaign and Educational Activities"

Topic
"Sustainable Waste Management in Hong Kong"

	Current status and problem with waste disposal and management in Hong Kong
	Existing waste management infrastructures and recycling initiatives and PRS
	Policy Framework on Waste Management
	Concerns on plastic waste
	Solutions

Topic
Sustainability in Action : Connecting sustainable initiatives to market needs: Reduce, Remove, Renew and Recycle

Abstract
The need for truly sustainable options for 21st century life remains one of the most critical challenges facing the global community. The presentation will cover different sustainable initiatives in the applications of plastics in energy generation, packaging, transportation, and the use of renewable sourced materials to address some of the challenges. The speaker will share how the company put science to work in ways that add value to customers, consumers and the planet.