Mil Mill is the first pulp mill that recycles beverage cartons in Hong Kong. With the steadfast support from the community, public, and investors, Mil Mill has swiftly completed the construction of its new Fanling factory just one year after the closure of its Yuen Long operations last September. The factory will open with a brand-new look for public visits in Fanling in this September, welcoming both new and long-standing supporters to inject fresh vitality into its recycling endeavors.

Where does the name "Mil Mill" come from? "If you unfold the top half of a beverage carton, doesn’t it resemble a cat? That’s how the name "Mil Mill" came about." Nigel Lo, co-founder of Mil Mill, aims to inject simple yet vibrant creativity into the traditional recycling industry, giving "waste" a new green life. This approach not only alleviates the pressure on Hong Kong's overflowing landfills but also fuels the development of Hong Kong's green economy.

An education centre is established next to the factory.

Hong Kong Peoples’ Commitment to Quality "Clean Recycling” Improved

Nigel mentioned that although the new factory has yet to officially launch, they are already collecting 3 to 4 tons of recyclable waste each day. To improve the production efficiency of the new factory, it is essential for Hong Kong residents to adopt "clean recycling" habits.

"It’s as simple as cutting open a beverage carton after use, rinsing it with clean water, and then placing it in the recycling bin. We are delighted that over 90% of residents who provide us with recyclables are following these steps, which has pleasantly surprised us. We’re thrilled to see that our efforts in educating the public about proper recycling methods have yielded significant results," Nigel expressed.

Mil Mill aims not only to focus on its own recycling efforts but also to integrate the concepts of "clean recycling" and sustainable development into our society, ultimately influencing individual lifestyles. They have established an education center next to the factory that welcomes public groups for visits and hosts educational activities for primary and secondary schools. Through engaging and enjoyable methods, they teach children both how to recycle and about the importance of recycling.

When asked about what strategies could encourage more people to make recycling a long-term habit, Nigel admitted, "Changing a habit or forming a new one is always challenging. However, I believe that if we make our entire operational process transparent and clearly communicate its positive social impact, more people will be encouraged to recognize our efforts and get involved." Indeed, we often want to see the final results before determining whether an action is meaningful and worth pursuing, overlooking the fact that significance is rarely achieved overnight, and the same applies for efforts to protect the environment.

Mil Mill's Mascot, "Mill Bus", Drives Full Speed Ahead Across Hong Kong Districts

The process of recycling and upcycling is not complicated. It involves collecting waste materials, sorting, pulping, filtering, screening, and exporting the wet pulp, then transporting it to other factories. It is reproduced into various high-quality recycled paper products, including paper towels, toilet paper, kitchen paper, and office paper. These recycled products are subsequently exported to regions such as mainland China, Indonesia, Vietnam, South Korea, and Thailand.

Hong Kong still lacks a comprehensive recycling system and a mature industrial chain. With the prices of recycled materials continually declining, recyclers are experiencing decreasing profits. Coupled with import and export regulations, industry practitioners often find it challenging to develop a circular economy in this metropolis. To support high-quality and large-scale production, it's essential to have a sufficient volume of waste recycling. Currently, Mil Mill has established around 600 recycling stations throughout Hong Kong, strategically located in various communities to facilitate convenient waste recycling for residents.

Mil Mill is collaborating with GREEN@COMMUNITY to enhance recycling efforts through their mutual influence. The clean beverage cartons collected by GREEN@COMMUNITY will be transported to Mil Mill for pulping and re-manufacturing. The "Mill Bus" serves as Mil Mill's unique mascot. Every week, this adorable cat-themed bus travels to various residential areas in Hong Kong to engage directly with residents and collect suitable recyclable items. In addition to common waste such as plastic bottles, plastic bags, and cans, it also accepts higher-value items like computers, electronics, books, clothing, shoes, and handbags. The “Mill Bus” irregularly hosts small workshops and sharing events, which have been well-received by many parents and children. These efforts contribute to promoting green and sustainable development within the community.

Mil Mill has completed the construction of its new Fanling factory.

Precise Data-Driven Recycling Services: Expanding into the B2B Sector

"When I first entered the recycling industry, terms like ESG and carbon footprint didn't exist. People viewed our work simply as garbage collection related to environmental protection. Today, society demands a more precise, data-driven operational model, and companies increasingly need to align their business practices with environmental and emission standards. The market now has higher expectations and disclosure requirements for recycling and reuse, making it essential to advance recycling practices through more accurate and scientific analysis. We aim to take a step forward and move faster, as increased industry demand means more opportunities for growth," Nigel remarked.

From a corporate perspective, ESG and sustainability are becoming increasingly important goals for businesses. Many development strategies are closely aligned with environmental recycling efforts on the path to achieving these objectives. Companies are required to disclose specific figures in their reports, which is why Mil Mill's parent company, Secure Information Disposal Services Limited (SSID), has implemented RFID technology to calculate waste volume, converting it into carbon emissions and carbon credits. This creates synergistic benefits with Mil Mill's recycling operations to meet the demands of the B2B market. Currently, no other company in the market that can do the same.

Success Lies in Communication and Inclusive Development

The term "communication" ran throughout the entire interview process, involving various stakeholders from government officials and investors to community members, residents, employees, and even oneself. The government is pursuing a series of carbon reduction and environmental strategies aimed at achieving carbon neutrality, yet it appears to lack specific and effective implementation measures, largely due to inadequate multidirectional communication. For any initiative requiring social execution, if any party is left voiceless, the underlying concepts cannot resonate. As a member of the industry, Nigel hopes for more communication channels and opportunities among stakeholders, believing that effective dialogue will lead to practical initiatives and bridge the gap between decision-makers and the public.

As one of the founders, Nigel frequently reflects on whether Mil Mill can have a deeper impact on society beyond recycling. One of his goals for expanding the business is to create more job opportunities, especially for low-income families, to help alleviate their financial burdens. In addition to contributing to the environment, Mil Mill also recognizes the importance of social inclusion.

The instability of the climate and economic environment has prompted more people to consider the urgency of sustainable development, representing a mutual integration of people and the environment. SIP has witnessed Mil Mill's resilience in the face of daunting challenges and its steadfast commitment to social responsibility, while also appreciating the renewed confidence as it embarks on a fresh start. Additionally, SIP continues to collaborate with companies that create social impact, attracting more funding from those looking to make a difference in society, including family offices and large institutional funds based in Hong Kong. In various social sectors, we hope that more individuals and companies sharing the same vision will join hands to become impact creators.

The article is prepared by LBS Communications Consulting Ltd.