News Corner
Collected 150 Million Bottles: A Milestone for Sustainability
ALBA CES is celebrating a remarkable achievement — In January 2026, we collected 150 million beverage plastic bottles in the HKSAR Government’s RVM Pilot Scheme since December 2023. This milestone is more than a number; it is a powerful testament to the dedication of our team, our client and partnerships, who share the commitment to a greener future.
Every bottle saved from the landfills represents further reduction in plastic waste and protection to our environment. Together, we are fostering a culture of responsibility in Hong Kong and proving that collective action can drive significant change.
This accomplishment highlights our mission to champion recycling, inspire sustainable practices, and create lasting impact. With each bottle collected, we move closer to building a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come.
ALBA CES Introduced Different RVMs at Eco Expo Asia
Since its inception, ALBA CES has proudly showcased its journey in advancing reverse vending machine (RVM) technology to support Hong Kong’s Producer Responsibility Scheme on Plastic Beverage Containers and Beverage Cartons.
In 2023, ALBA CES first introduced 120 RVMs designed for collecting plastic beverage bottles for the government’s project across the city, marking ALBA CES’ first step toward sustainable waste management.
Building on the successful launch of the project, 2024 saw the introduction of a new RVM capable of handling not only plastic bottles but also carton boxes and aluminum cans. This demonstrated ALBA CES’s ability to source and deliver versatile solutions tailored to evolving recycling needs.
In 2025, ALBA CES presented machines already in commercial deployment, focusing on projects that collect plastic bottles and carton boxes. These milestones highlight ALBA CES’ commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility, ensuring the company is well-prepared to support PCPRS and contribute to a greener future for Hong Kong.
A New Chapter Begins: Company Name Update
We are delighted to announce that our company has officially transitioned from Smart City Circular Economy Solutions Limited to ALBA Circular Economy Solutions Limited (ALBA CES).
This new identity represents more than just a name change; it marks a defining milestone in our journey. It strengthens our corporate identity within the ALBA family, reinforcing our strategic integration and shared vision, and unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering smarter solutions for a better future.
As ALBA CES, we look forward to building on our achievements and driving forward impactful initiatives that create lasting value for communities, businesses, and the environment.
The Path Towards Successful Producer Responsibility Schemes
As Hong Kong advances its transition to a circular economy, Producer Responsibility Schemes (PRS) are emerging as a vital policy tool to reduce waste, promote recycling, and encourage sustainable product design. By placing responsibility on producers to manage the full lifecycle of their products, PRS can help shift the city’s waste management system from linear to circular.
A session at ReThink 2025 explored the current and future landscape of PRS in Hong Kong, highlighting challenges such as regulatory hurdles, infrastructure gaps, industry compliance, and public participation. Speakers emphasized that public acceptance was crucial, with strategies needed to build awareness, drive behavioural change, and foster shared responsibility.
Kenny Wong, Director of ALBA CES (2nd from right), shared our international experience and views towards successful implementation of the WEEE PRS and upcoming PCPRS. Drawing on successful international models, the panel distilled lessons that could guide Hong Kong’s path forward.
ALBA CES Awarded the HKSAR Government RVM Pilot Scheme Stage 4
ALBA Circular Economy Solutions has been awarded the HKSAR Government’s RVM Pilot Scheme Stage 4. This achievement follows the successful deployment of the RVM Pilot Scheme Stage 3, which ALBA CES has operated since 2023.
During the stage 3 of the project, ALBA CES established a comprehensive service system tailored for Hong Kong, including customer service support, maintenance and operations teams, a real‑time website that shows the status of all RVMs, and ambassador service to engage the public. A total of 120 RVMs were installed across the city, and in just 19 months, the scheme collected more than 100 million plastic beverage bottles.
The new contract will allow ALBA CES to extend the RVM services, strengthen community participation, and continue delivering reliable, user‑friendly recycling solutions. This milestone underscores ALBA CES’s commitment to building a cleaner, more sustainable Hong Kong.
100 Million Plastic Bottles Collected
We are excited to share a major milestone in our sustainability journey: over 100 million plastic bottles have been collected through our Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) project in July 2025!
This achievement highlights the successful implementation of the RVM pilot scheme and stands as a testament to our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence. In the first 12 months of the project, we have collected more than 60 million bottles, setting a new industry benchmark and by month 19, we proudly crossed the 100 million milestone.
This success would not have been possible without the dedication of our client and team, the support of strategic partners, and the active participation of Hong Kong citizens who use our RVMs daily to make a difference.
Yet this is only the beginning. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, set new standards, and build a circular economy that benefits the planet.
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Celebrating One Year of Success with the RVM Project in Hong Kong
ALBA CES, then Smart City Circular Economy Solutions, proudly celebrated one year of success. Over the past year, we have collected more than 60 million plastic bottles through 120 Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), marking a significant milestone in the city’s recycling journey.
We sincerely thank our partners, venue owners, and property management companies for their invaluable support, enabling nearly 35,000 hours of ambassador service to guide the public in using RVMs. Citizens of Hong Kong have also played a vital role, with participation surging by 40% during the October 2024 double incentive event and National Day campaign.
At the celebration, Mr. Jakob Lambsdorff, Head of Smart City Vertical, ALBA Group Asia and guest of honour Mr. Kenneth Cheng of EPD commended the team’s achievements. Since the scheme began four years ago, over 147 million bottles have been collected, of which 40% was collected by ALBA CES in the past year alone. Together, we continue striving for a world without waste.
ALBA Wins Government Tender for RVM Project, Reinforcing Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
A newly formed subsidy of ALBA Group Asia, previously called Smart City Circular Economy Solutions Limited, won the government Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) Pilot Scheme project, positioning the company at the forefront of sustainability, reinforcing its mission to deliver innovative solutions for a greener future.
Under the project, 120 RVMs were installed and operated across Hong Kong to collect used plastic beverage containers, reduce waste, and promote recycling. “We are honoured to be awarded this prestigious tender,” says Mr. Jakob Lambsdorff, Head of Smart City Vertical, ALBA Group Asia. “The RVMs will showcase our commitment to sustainability while raising public awareness of greener lifestyles.”
To support adoption, ambassador services, a hotline, and a user-friendly website were deployed to guide the public. Participants would receive HK$0.10 rebate per bottle, with the option to donate to charities. The project was launched in December 2023 for a two-year period.
