KAO HK and PARKnSHOP join forces to promote plastic reduction

Kao Hong Kong and supermarket PARKnSHOP have joined forces to launch an environmental campaign titled "Protect the environment with you" at TASTE Whampoa Garden.

Running through 8 October, the initiative aims to encourage Hong Kong consumers to adopt product refill packs as part of an effort to reduce plastic waste at the source.

To mark the launch, the TASTE Whampoa Garden store has been equipped with an educational space focused on plastic reduction, interactive upcycling exhibits, and workshops.

In conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, a spokesperson from PARKnSHOP said sustainability becomes truly impactful when it is easy to practice in everyday life, that's why PARKnSHOP is partnering with Kao Hong Kong to make sustainable choices more accessible, convenient and rewarding for customers.

"Through this campaign, customers can see firsthand how refill packs can significantly reduce plastic use, explore interactive upcycling installations, and even make a personal pledge towards greener living. Together, we hope to show that small everyday choices, from choosing a refill pack to reducing single-use plastic can collectively create a meaningful impact for our community and environment," added the spokesperson. 

The campaign also highlights a notable gap in local household consumption habits regarding product packaging. According to Kao Hong Kong, refill packs use up to 69% less plastic than standard bottled products. However, consumer adoption rates for refills in Hong Kong remain significantly lower than in neighboring markets such as Japan.

The installation at TASTE Whampoa Garden incorporates interactive elements designed to illustrate the lifecycle of recycled plastics. In collaboration with local eco-design group Gaau1 Up, the store features custom pedal-powered bicycles that allow visitors to shred collected plastic waste to experience the initial stage of the upcycling process.

From 17 to 19 July, the venue hosts parent-child craft sessions where participants create accessories using recycled plastic beads. Access is provided to customers purchasing any Kao refill pack at the location, subject to availability.

The venue also features an Interactive ESG "Connection of hearts" pledge wall, where visitors can press the "I Pledge" button to commit to a plastic-free lifestyle. Additionally, an exclusive "One-day limited" privilege will be introduced on the day following the launch at the TASTE Whampoa Garden store: the first 50 customers to check in and share photos at the event will receive a complimentary "Eco-friendly tableware set" to kickstart their green living journey.

Beyond raising awareness, the partnership's goal is to inspire lasting behaviour change. "That's why we have combined education, hands-on experiences and social impact into a single customer journey," said the spokesperson.

Success will be measured not only by in-store activity and digital engagement as well as sales performance, but also by PARKnSHOP's ability to encourage more Hong Kong consumers to embrace sustainable habits and make greener choices a natural part of daily life.

Meanwhile, for every Kao refill pack purchased at PARKnSHOP physical locations or online during the three-month campaign period, Kao Hong Kong will donate HK$1 to WWF-Hong Kong to fund local environmental education and conservation projects.

Toshiya Nishino, president of Kao (Hong Kong), said: “As we enter the fourth year of our ESG partnership with PARKnSHOP, we are proud to continue creating positive impact together. Since 2023, our collaboration has helped drive innovative sustainability initiatives, including "Return . Recreate", Hong Kong’s first online recycling and upcycling programme."

"This year, we are focusing on refill products as an effective way to reduce plastic consumption at the source. Refill packs use 69% less plastic than regular bottles, yet adoption in Hong Kong remains far below markets such as Japan, highlighting a significant opportunity for change. Through this initiative, we hope to make sustainable choices easier for consumers, encourage more people to choose refill products, and work together towards a more sustainable future for our community, our environment, and our shared vision of making life beautiful," Nishino added.

Freda Ng, managing director of PARKnSHOP Hong Kong, said: “PARKnSHOP has always been dedicated to providing our customers with convenient sustainable choices. Through this collaboration with Kao to introduce refill packs, we are enabling our customers to effortlessly integrate eco-friendly habits into their daily routines."

"We hope that the 'Protect the environment with you' campaign will encourage the community to practice green living in their everyday lives, turning every small choice into a powerful force for a sustainable future. This also reflects AS Watson Group’s 185-year commitment to actively address community needs and continuously creating a positive impact on society and our environment," she added.

Related articles:

KAO HK promotes ESG importance and sustainability with new campaign
PARKnSHOP engages shoppers with creative brain teasers