Lee Kum Kee Sauce, a renowned sauce brand, has been honoured with the Gold Award in the Packaging Reduction Charter by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. This award recognises the company's outstanding performance in driving packaging reduction and sustainable development. As one of the first signatories to the Charter, Lee Kum Kee is among the first cohort of food manufacturers to receive this prestigious award.
The Packaging Reduction Charter was launched by the EPD on 31 March 2025, with the goal of encouraging businesses to reassess and reduce packaging usage, foster a waste-reduction culture in the commercial sector, and support Hong Kong's long-term goal of carbon neutrality. To date, over 140 companies across various sectors have joined the Charter, including retail, logistics, electronics, and food and beverage.
Lee Kum Kee demonstrated multiple packaging optimisation achievements during the assessment process, ultimately earning the Gold Award. The company continuously refines its packaging with reference to the Practical Guides on Packaging Reduction and Management published by EPD and the Golden Design Rules developed by the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF). This approach has driven packaging weight reduction while enhancing recyclability and circular value.
Since 2002, Lee Kum Kee has consistently reduced the weight of its glass bottles. For example, in 2025, it cut the weight of its 32-ounce oyster sauce bottles from 410 to 390 grams, saving 10 tonnes of glass throughout the year. Additionally, the company has saved more than 200 tonnes of carton material annually through improved carton designs. Over 95% of packaging materials, by weight, are recyclable.
Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs at Lee Kum Kee Sauce, emphasised the company's long-standing commitment to sustainable packaging transformation. Guided by the value of 'Si Li Ji Ren' (Considering Others' Interests), Lee Kum Kee integrates sustainable development into every aspect of its business operations. The company continuously optimises packaging design for greater efficiency and recyclability, delivering high-quality products to consumers.
Lee Kum Kee's sustainable packaging initiatives were featured in the 2026 Golden Design Rules Case Study Booklet during the CGF China Day in early September. This recognition confirms that the company's initiatives align with both local policy directions and international best practices. The company's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its Global Sustainability Highlights 2025 report, which is available on its website.
The Packaging Reduction Charter assesses signatories against five key areas: packaging reduction, packaging recyclability, packaging reuse, sustainable packaging, and promotion of packaging reduction. Lee Kum Kee's achievement demonstrates its role as a responsible corporate citizen committed to advancing sustainable packaging. The company remains dedicated to collaborating with the industry to support Hong Kong's vision of achieving carbon neutrality.
Key points
- Lee Kum Kee received the Gold Award in the inaugural Packaging Reduction Charter.
- The company has consistently reduced packaging weight and enhanced recyclability since 2002.
- Lee Kum Kee's sustainable packaging initiatives align with local policy directions and international best practices.
