The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Correctional Services Department (CSD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 7 February 2025 to jointly promote the upcycling of food waste and the development of environmentally friendly products, injecting new impetus into sustainable development within the correctional industry.
The MoU sets out a framework for collaboration between PolyU and CSD to jointly promote innovative development initiatives over the next five years. One of these initiatives is the application of PolyU’s scientific research results in the area of food waste upcycling to industrial production in correctional institutions. Another initiative is the provision of vocational training to persons in custody (PICs) in the design and production of environmentally friendly products by PolyU to enhance their employability. The collaboration not only promotes environmental protection but also assists in the rehabilitation of PICs.
In the first phase of the collaboration, PolyU’s patented technology for making 3D printing material with spent coffee grounds will be applied to the industrial production work performed by PICs. PolyU will also provide vocational training in product design to enable PICs to develop more environmentally friendly products from spent coffee grounds.
These environmentally friendly products will be available for purchase on the CSD Sports Association's online charity gift sales platform, Made In Prison, to promote messages of supporting rehabilitation and environmental protection to the public. All proceeds from sales, after the deduction of necessary costs, will be donated to various local registered charities, providing PICs with opportunities to contribute to the community.
