HONG KONG—A recent investigative study by the Hong Kong Consumer Council (COC) exposes significant compliance gaps and inconsistent practices among major beverage chains regarding their “bring-your-own-cup” (BYOC) policies, despite widespread eco-friendly promotions. The findings, detailed in the latest issue of Choice magazine, highlight instances where the effort to reduce disposable waste is undermined by store operational procedures, urging businesses, particularly large chains like McCafé and 7-Eleven, to align practices with their public green commitments.
Testing the Green Commitment
Between November and December 2024, COC investigators conducted 60 secret shopping visits across 20 popular chain stores in Hong Kong, including Starbuck, McCafé, 7-eleven, and Ah Yee Lemon Tea. The comprehensive test assessed customer experience, adherence to BYOC policies, availability of discounts, and whether the process genuinely eliminated disposable waste.
The study confirms a growing customer appetite for eco-conscious choices, with over 70% of participants reporting satisfaction with their BYOC experience, particularly at dedicated hand-shaken beverage shops. Eleven businesses offered incentives ranging from HK$1 to HK$5 discounts, or a single 10% off promotion, to reward customers using reusable containers.
However, the efficacy of these programs faces hurdles. The COC noted a lack of clear promotional materials, often causing consumers to miss out on available discounts. Furthermore, the implementation of policies varied drastically between individual branch locations, indicating a need for standardized employee training across the network.
Operational Flaws Undermine Waste Reduction
The most critical revelation concerns large chain operations that fail to achieve true source reduction—the primary goal of BYOC initiatives. Several major players were found employing “double-cupping” methods, defeating the purpose of bringing a reusable cup.
Specifically, during three separate tests (involving both hot and cold drinks), employees at McCafé locations consistently prepared the customer’s beverage in a standard disposable paper cup before pouring the finished product into the investigator’s personal tumbler. A similar observation was made at certain 7-CAFÉ branches, where disposable plastic cups were sometimes used for ice management before the final drink was transferred.
The COC stressed that these practices directly contradict the stores’ public declarations of “green operations” and waste reduction, as the unnecessary disposable containers still end up in landfills.
Physical Constraints and Consumer Guidance Issues
In addition to procedural lapses, the physical setup of some locations created barriers for reusable cup usage. One instant coffee retailer within a convenience store initially failed to accommodate the test personnel, as the beverage machine’s dispensing area was too restrictive. The customer was forced to receive the drink in a disposable cup due to the reusable cup’s height.
However, the survey highlighted best practices at other chains. Another convenience store retailer earned praise for proactively displaying clear guidelines on their social media and at some locations. These guidelines specified maximum height (e.g., no taller than 15 cm) and capacity, allowing customers to choose appropriate reusable cups before purchasing, a model the COC recommends for wider adoption.
Navigating Your Own Sustainable Sip
Consumers committed to sustainability must remain vigilant. The COC advises patrons to confirm the exact dimensions of their reusable mug before visiting instant coffee stations.
The council calls upon all beverage retailers to:
- Enhance Staff Training: Ensure all employees know how to properly handle reusable containers while maximizing hygiene and adhering to the principle of source reduction.
- Clarify Promotions: Prominently display discount information clearly at the point of sale to encourage participation.
- Review Operations: Urgently modify preparation workflows to eliminate the unnecessary use of single-use cups when a customer provides their own.
As Hong Kong continues its push for stringent environmental policies, the responsibility falls equally on businesses to implement genuine green practices and on consumers to choose the retailers who truly walk the talk. The COC’s findings serve as a necessary checkpoint, reminding the industry that convenience cannot come at the expense of environmental accountability.