CSD and PolyU Collaborate to Upcycle Food Waste for Sustainable Correctional Development

CSD and PolyU sign MOU to promote upcycling of food waste and development of eco-friendly products

​The Correctional Services Department (CSD) and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (February 7) to jointly promote the upcycling of food waste and the development of environmentally friendly products, injecting new impetus into the sustainable development of the correctional industry.

The MOU sets out a framework for collaboration between the CSD and PolyU to jointly promote innovative development initiatives over the next five years, including the application of PolyU's scientific research results on food waste upcycling to industrial production in correctional institutions; and the provision of vocational training to persons in custody (PICs) in the design and production of environmentally friendly products by PolyU to enhance their employability. The collaboration not only promotes environmental protection but also assists in the rehabilitation of PICs.

Witnessed by the Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Rehabilitation and Management), Mr Ng Chiu-kok, and the Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, Professor Christopher Chao, the MOU was signed by the Assistant Commissioner of Correctional Services (Rehabilitation), Mr Tong Soen, and the Director of the Research Institute for Future Food, Professor Wong Ka-hing.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr Ng said that the CSD has been committed to introducing green measures in correctional work to build an integrated and sustainable correctional system. The signing of the MOU marks an important milestone in the sustainable development of correctional work. The first phase of the collaboration involves the application of PolyU's patented technology for making 3D printing material with spent coffee grounds to the industrial production work performed by PICs. PolyU will also provide vocational training in product design for PICs to develop more environmentally friendly spent coffee grounds products.

Professor Chao said at the ceremony that PolyU has been tackling social challenges and promoting sustainable development through innovative research and translating research outcomes over the years. The "food waste-derived 3D printing material" patented technology covered in the collaboration project was developed by PolyU's Research Institute for Future Food, which opens up a new way to tackle the problems of municipal food waste and greenhouse gas emissions in Hong Kong. Both parties will work together to create a mutual aid ecosystem, where new economic, ecological, and cultural value can be generated, contributing to the realisation of a cohesive society and sustainable development.

The environmentally friendly spent coffee grounds products will be available for sale on the CSD Sports Association's online charity gift sales platform, Made In Prison, to promote messages of supporting rehabilitation and environmental protection to the public. All proceeds from the sale, after deducting necessary costs, will be donated to various local registered charities, providing PICs with opportunities to contribute to the community.

CSD and PolyU sign MOU to promote upcycling of food waste and development of eco-friendly products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CSD and PolyU sign MOU to promote upcycling of food waste and development of eco-friendly products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CSD and PolyU sign MOU to promote upcycling of food waste and development of eco-friendly products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CSD and PolyU sign MOU to promote upcycling of food waste and development of eco-friendly products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected methamphetamine worth about $2.1 million

Hong Kong Customs on August 3 seized about 3.9 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine with an estimated market value of about $2.1 million at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point. A person suspected to be connected with the case was arrested yesterday (August 4).

Through intelligence analysis and in-depth investigations, Customs on August 3 inspected an express consignment, arriving in Hong Kong from South Africa via Shenzhen and declared as carrying spare parts, at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point. Upon examination, a total of about 3.9kg of suspected methamphetamine was found concealed inside a vehicle gearbox.

After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers mounted a controlled delivery operation in Kam Tin yesterday and arrested a 28-year-old man suspected to be connected with the case.

The arrestee, who claimed to be unemployed, will be charged with one count of attempting to traffic in a dangerous drug. He will appear at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (August 6).

Customs reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a $5 million fine and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected methamphetamine worth about $2.1 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases