Transforming the Future through Food

The HKIA Environmental Fund awarded a second grant to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University to continue development of a process to transform food waste at HKIA into value-added chemicals.

The project completed its first phase in early 2018 after proving the feasibility of the concept, in which dewatered food-waste solids are transformed into value-added chemicals through physicochemical conversion processes. The chemicals produced can be used in a variety of products such as biofuels, medicines, polymers, fuel cells and road de-icing fluids.

The two-year second phase focuses on developing a high-performance system for extracting these chemicals and biofuels from starch-rich food waste and paper towel waste generated by the operation of HKIA. In addition to the development of a prototype reactor facilitating field demonstrations of the valorisation process, the project will also examine the recyclability of low-value solid residues, the life-cycle environmental impact and its economic viability.

The project aligns with the waste reduction strategy of the Airport Authority (AA) and could help develop an alternative food and paper towel recycling option for the wider airport community. As a long-term waste management solution, it also aims to support the development of the local recycling industry and Hong Kong’s circular economy.