Hello, this is Rio Tam, one of the committee members of the SDGs group at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust (Hong Kong) Limited, and the organizer of our recent activity: a visit to Mil Mill, co-organized with the SMTB Hong Kong Branch and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust (Hong Kong) Limited (SMTHK). This engaging initiative not only showcased innovative recycling processes but also reaffirmed our commitment to sustainability and responsible consumption.

On February 8, 2025, employees, and their families from all over Hong Kong gathered early in the morning at three pick-up points, reflecting our dedication to engaging the broader community in sustainability efforts. A total of 34 participants joined the visit, including 7 representatives from the branch, 21 from the subsidiary, and 6 family members. As the coach journeyed to the picturesque site of Mil Mill, excitement buzzed through the air.

Upon arrival, attendees were greeted with a warm welcome and an informative introduction to Mil Mill’s operations. The facility, renowned for its pioneering approach to recycling, specializes in transforming various types of paper—particularly composite-paper-products—into high-quality paper pulp. This aligns perfectly with our commitment to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and supports SDG 13: Climate Action, as the recycling processes contribute to waste reduction and environmental sustainability.

The plant manager, who has been working in the recycling industry for over a decade since his thirties, shared his personal journey of starting the business in response to government policies. Today, the facility has not only grown to become the sole recycling plant in Hong Kong that handles paper beverage cartons but has also expanded its operations to Singapore. This impressive feat highlights the dedication and perseverance required to succeed in the recycling business.

The visit included an informative tour of the recycling plant and pulp mill, where participants observed firsthand the innovative techniques employed to recycle paper. We also learned that the recycling process is far from simple: for example, the plant requires a significant amount of electricity to operate. After being forced to relocate last year, they have been struggling with insufficient power supply, which means they can only run part of their machines at a time. Furthermore, they fear that rising rent or another relocation would make it infeasible to invest in their own high-cost permanent power infrastructure. Due to cost constraints, the plant has also been unable to install boiler equipment to dry paper pulp on-site. Instead, they must transport heavier wet paper pulp to nearby cities in mainland China, which, despite its inefficiencies, remains the more economical option.

We learned about various challenges, such as the heightened difficulty of recycling paper cartons made from multiple layers—highlighting the importance of simplifying packaging design to enhance recyclability. 75% of a paper beverage carton is made of paper, but components like the drinking straw and straw wrapper are often made of PVC or PP instead of PE, which are harder to recycle. The plant manager advised that consumers should remove and discard these components separately whenever possible, as this reduces the burden on recyclers and enhances the overall recycling process.

Additionally, Mil Mill’s commitment to social responsibility is evident in its employment of individuals with disabilities, further demonstrating the interconnectedness of sustainable development. The facility also utilizes clean energy, incorporating solar power into its operations.

Following the tour, participants engaged in a hands-on workshop that reinforced the day’s lessons and encouraged the application of sustainable practices in both personal and professional settings. An important takeaway, as emphasized by the plant manager, was understanding the significance of consuming products close to their expiry dates to minimize waste and support responsible consumption. For instance, choosing fresh milk with nearer expiry dates from supermarkets or convenience stores helps reduce the likelihood of stores discarding expired products. If consumers intentionally select products with longer expiry dates from the back of the shelf, it increases the chance of unsold items being wasted. Ultimately, this not only fails to improve the quality of the products consumed but also passes the increased costs back to consumers.

Another fascinating fact we learned was that banknotes are made of cotton, and shredded banknotes are recycled under the supervision of relevant authorities, showcasing the broad potential of recycling in various industries.

Overall, the visit to Mil Mill was an enlightening experience, underscoring the importance of sustainable practices and collaborative efforts in achieving our company’s sustainability objectives. The insights gained from this visit will undoubtedly inspire participants to implement more responsible practices in their daily lives, contributing to a greener future.