Business Environment Council Honours 10 Hong Kong Eco-Products

(20 November 2007) Business Environment council (BEC), today staged the Hong Kong Eco-Products Award (HKEPA) Presentation Ceremony at Foreign Correspondents' Club, to honor 10 outstanding environment-friendly products. Initiated and led by BEC, HKEPA was co-organized by The Chinese Manufacturer's Association of Hong Kong, The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, The Federation of Hong Kong Industries and The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.

Dr Andrew Thomson, both Chief Executive Officer of BEC and Chair of the Judging Panel said, "The winning products this year are an exceptional collection of both environmentally sound and commercially successful products which go far beyond industry standard in pollution prevention, waste reduction, energy conservation and environmental protection. Since the launch of the Award in 1999, each year I am much impressed by Hong Kong manufacturers’ top level commitment, eco efficiency, product innovation and advancement. They have been fast in answering the call for responsible or green products from purchasers and consumers locally and globally."

"The Gold Awardee Neonlite Electronic & Lighting (HK) Ltd has been a brilliant local example for manufacturers in Hong Kong. This is the second time they won the Gold prize since 2005. Their 'DIMMERABLE' energy saving lamps deliver 10,000 hours lamp life, lasting 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs with 80% less power consumption compared to those of incandescent bulbs. It is a testament to their visionary efforts, innovation, research and development devoted to the entire product cycle from cradle to cradle. They keep raising their own bar as well as that of the industry, promoting sustainable production and consumption."

This year's winners range broadly from energy saving lamps, natural bamboo flooring to high-end DVD home theater. Neonlite also won the Silver Award for its Energy Saving Lamps "PING PONG". Another Silver Award winner was SA5125 Flash Audio Video Player of Philips Electronics Hong Kong Limited. Print-Rite PRO-ECO series – Remanufactured Laser Cartridge for HP Q5949A of A&J Technology Limited, Towngas of The Hong Kong & China Gas Company Limited and HTS8100 Cineos Soundbar DVD Home Theater of Philips Electronics Hong Kong Limited shared the Bronze Awards.

In addition, four products received Notable Mentions for their good performance. They were CompoClay Building and Decorative Material of CompoClay International Holdings Limited, Photonic High Efficiency LED Tube of Photonics & Co. Limited, 3P Environmental-Friendly Construction Board of Richenergys Development Limited, and Verdee Bamboo Flooring of Year Full Group Holdings Limited.

Global climate change has become both a challenge and opportunity that every corporate citizen has to address. Our eco-products award entries and winners have taken essential steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve every aspect of their products' life cycle. It is important for business to step up their green efforts towards sustainable production and consumption.

The Award assessments covered entrant's attributes across their life cycle: design, manufacture, packaging, use, and end of life, in consideration of the criteria of energy, materials, recyclability, reusability, waste, toxic substances and others appropriate to each entry. Participants benefits not only from gaining recognition for their product excellence, but also open up new market opportunities and tap into the rise of green consumerism. They can also learn through the award assessment how they can further improve their products from cradle to grave. The Judging Panel was an independent one comprising of Hong Kong and overseas experts from various industry, business and educational organizations.

About the Business Environment Council (www.bec.org.hk)

The Business Environment Council (BEC) is an independent, non-profit organization set up by business for business as an environmental solutions provider. Our services include consultancy, research, training and award programs for companies across all sectors and at any stage of their corporate sustainability journey. BEC is a membership organization based in Hong Kong with offices in Beijing and Shenzhen.

Our Council Members include CLP, China Resources Enterprise, COSCO Pacific, Dow Chemicals, Gammon Construction, Great Eagle Company, Hongkong Electric Company, HSBC, Hongkong International Terminals, Jardine Pacific, Kowloon-Canton Railway, KMB, PCCW, Shell, Sino Land, the Swire Group, Modern Terminals and Wheelock. BEC’s broader membership extends to a network of more than 20,000 companies.