The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) started inviting applications for funding support under the new phase of the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme today (June 15). The Programme, which will last until March 31, 2025, is an ongoing effort to encourage Hong Kong-owned factories in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province to adopt cleaner production technologies for continuous improvement of the regional environment.

     Hong Kong enterprises operating factories in Hong Kong or Guangdong Province can apply for funding support to carry out two types of projects under the Programme:

* On-site improvement assessments to identify practical cleaner production solutions for their factories. The Government will share half of the assessment cost with a funding ceiling of $45,000 per assessment; and

* Demonstration projects to show the effectiveness of cleaner production technologies through the installation of equipment or modification of production processes. The Government will share half of the project cost. Under the new phase of the Programme, there are two categories of demonstration projects:
 
Demonstration projects (I): A new demonstration project category to promote wider adoption of effective cleaner production technologies by factories. The funding ceiling per project is $450,000; and

Demonstration projects (II): To support research and  innovation in cleaner production technologies. The funding ceiling per project is $650,000.

     In addition, non-profit-making trade and industry associations and professional organisations (NPOs) in Hong Kong can apply for organisation support initiatives to carry out trade-specific promotion and publicity activities to promote wider adoption of effective cleaner production technologies in different industries. The Government will subsidise 90 per cent of the project cost for each project and the subsidy ceiling for each NPO in the new phase is $2 million.

     Hong Kong enterprises as well as trade and industry associations or professional organisations interested in joining the Programme may obtain more information and download application forms from the Programme website at www.cleanerproduction.hk. Enquiries can also be made on the following hotlines operated by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC): (852) 2788 5588 (Hong Kong) or (86-755) 8615 6942 (Shenzhen).

     In April 2008, the EPD launched the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme in collaboration with the then Economic and Information Commission of Guangdong Province (now the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province) to encourage and assist Hong Kong-owned factories in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province to adopt cleaner production technologies and practices. Since its introduction, the Government has devoted $293 million to the implementation of the Programme. In the light of the continual environmental benefits brought about by the Programme, the Government has extended the Programme for five years with additional funding of $311 million. The HKPC serves as the implementation agent of the Programme.

Ends/Monday, June 15, 2020
Issued at HKT 14:30

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