Eco Expo Asia Attracts Record Number of Visitors
November 28, 2018
The 13th edition of the show, held Oct. 25-28 in Hong Kong, welcomed a record 14,824 visitors from 106 countries and regions.
With 54 percent of visitors coming from outside of Hong Kong, the expo lived up to its billing as an international gathering point for the environmental protection industry.
Jointly organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the fair is also co-organised by the Environment Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The 2018 fair embraced the theme of “Waste Less Save More for a Low-carbon Future” to align with the global push to raise environmental awareness and strive for better waste management.
Highlighted environmental sectors at the show included Waste Management and Recycling, Water Treatment and Quality Management, Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency and Green Transportation.
In total, 338 exhibitors from 19 countries and regions participated. The Startup Zone also returned after a successful debut last year. 20 startups showcased their innovative new products and technologies offering a glimpse into the future direction of the green tech industry.
In line with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area scheme to link the cities in the region and strengthen economic integration, Eco Expo Asia saw pavilions and group participations from all nine municipalities in the region as well as the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao.
The Greater Bay Area Zone represented a major presence at the fair. In recognition of the extensive green business opportunities emanating from the region, a Greater Bay Area Forum was also organised to reveal more about green projects and future developments of interest to the environmental protection industry.
The Eco Asia Conference is a high-level gathering that invites influential industry experts and academics from around the world to discuss important environmental issues. Some 40 speakers delivered talks and discussions on wide-ranging topics that touched on pressing environmental concerns affecting Hong Kong and Asia as well as far-reaching global issues.
Meanwhile, a wide range of other event sessions delved into other essential environmental topics including smart construction, green transportation and a government department forum.
Syed Mubarak, Director of Sustainability & MEP-Plant Operations, Sands China Ltd, attended the Green Buildings and the Renewable Energies and Usage sessions of the conference: “While the sessions focused on very different topics, they both offered abundant solutions to help combat climate change and that’s ultimately why we are all attending this fair, looking for fresh new ideas and to connect with different people.”
Exhibitors expressed positive feedback:
“We are exhibiting reverse vending machines for recycling items like plastic bottles, aluminium cans and glass bottles which operate on a user deposit scheme. We were thrilled to have the chance to speak with representatives from the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department and explain to them how the system works. We are exhibiting this year as we think our system would integrate very easily into Hong Kong and around Asia. The fair is a great chance to meet potential clients.”
Andre Farstad, Business Development, Circular Economy, TOMRA Sorting Technology (Xiamen) Co Ltd (Norway)
Buyers also gave the event high marks:
“My business concentrates on waste management solutions and I create waste management plans for different types of clients, ranging from governmental bodies to private organisations. I found that the exhibitors have been very friendly and happy to take the time to analyse my requirements and suggest solutions. This is much more important than just being sold a product as you are able to see whether it truly fits with your needs. In the past I have only visited environmental protection trade shows in Europe, but this year I wanted to try somewhere in Asia and Hong Kong seemed like the perfect place to start, I haven’t been disappointed.”
Rustem Bassenov, Managing Partner, Tau Innovative Solutions (Kazakhstan)
The next edition of Eco Expo Asia will be held Oct. 20-Nov. 2 at AsiaWorld-Expo.
Partner Voices
HERE, hosting responsible meetings and caring for our communities are top priorities. Through its 'Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet' philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make an impact in the lives of employees, guests, and the communities in which it operates.
Water Stewardship Efforts
MGM Resorts understands the importance of using water efficiently, especially in the desert destination of Las Vegas. Conserving water has always been part of the mission, but MGM Resorts has expanded its ambition into water stewardship.
In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate—a UN Global Compact initiative mobilizing business leaders to advance water stewardship. MGM Resorts International was the first gaming company to take this important step.
MGM Resorts replaced 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas.
MGM Resorts pledges to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030.
From 2007-2021, use of more than 5.6 billion gallons of water was avoided because of conservation efforts.
Caring for One Another
MGM Resorts’ Food Donations Program collects and preserves unserved food from conventions held at MGM Resorts properties, then safely donates to food insecure people in the community. Since the program’s launch in 2016, more than 3.7 million meals toward a 2025 goal of 5 million meals have been donated into the community. Donations include:
Unserved perishable prepared foods from events
Perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens
Nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses
The collaboration with Southern Nevada’s primary food bank, Three Square, has developed the infrastructure needed to safely collect, transport, and store food from MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas, reducing food waste while serving the community.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts understands its responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of the communities in which it operates. HERE, we embrace humanity.
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