Planet + People + Products Introduction 
 
Our Sustainability Targets
 
Our parent company, AS Watson Group, has its science-based targets validated by the SBTi as aligned with a 1.5°C trajectory. As a proud subsidiary, we are deeply committed to our group’s sustainability target. For further information, please visit the AS Watson Sustainability webpage.
 
 
  • Our intervention plans to reduce Scope 1 emissions focus on enhancing fleet efficiency, transitioning to lower-emission fuels, and increasing the use of refrigerants with reduced global warming potential.

 

  • To reduce Scope 2 emissions, we will continue improving energy efficiency and offset the remaining emissions through investments in renewable energy certificates. We will also implement energy management systems and explore innovative technologies to optimize our energy use.

 

  • To align with group's target for Scope 3 emissions, we have incorporated the supplier’s ESG performance as a key criterion in our supplier screening process, in accordance with EPD's Green Procurement Guideline. Regular training will be provided to suppliers to assist them to set up their own GHG emissions target.

 

Environmental design in the factory
Our factory features an environmentally conscious design with a lighter color façade that enhances natural light, multi-windows to enhance natural light and use light-blocking paper to block external heat, to reduce energy consumption.

Healthy Workplace
Our office features a greener office design that prioritizes sustainability and employee well-being. The open office layout fosters collaboration and creates a productive, greener work environment in 2019.

Zero Waste to Landfill
Watson Water is committed to achieving zero waste to landfill, aligning with the group’s target for 2030. This initiative underscores our dedication to sustainability and minimizing our environmental impact. We have implemented a comprehensive waste management strategy that includes waste observation and recycling initiatives. By removing individual bins, we encourage collective responsibility and have conducted staff awareness education sessions on waste management practices, fostering a recycling culture among our employees.
Nurturing the Next Generation 

Sustainability Think Tank

The Think Tank aims to create a vibrant forum for twenty-seven young colleagues from various regions to share insights on sustainability topics, ultimately enhancing Watson Water 's sustainable development initiatives. Think Tank members not only will have the opportunity to learn how to integrate sustainability into their lives but also contribute to the company's objectives. This unique group fosters idea exchange among young, cross-regional colleagues, offering valuable insights that guide our sustainability efforts and promote our sustainability development.

 

 
Caring for the Communities

Mask donation

During the pandemic, Watson Water swiftly established a mask production line to address critical shortages, producing high-quality masks for the Hong Kong community. We launched a donation initiative, providing free masks to healthcare workers, essential services, and vulnerable populations. This effort safeguarded public health and reinforced our commitment to supporting society in times of need.

 
Green Sponsorship
 

Watson Water actively supports green initiatives, sponsoring over 300 activities annually in Hong Kong, including sports and environmental events. Through our sponsorship of carboy water (i.e. to install water refill stations at the event site), we have saved over 330,000 single-use plastic bottles (430ml), equivalent to more than 145 million ml. We aim to increase public awareness of bring their own bottles.

 
Caring for our People
 

Watsons Water also dedicates to increase the sustainability awareness and publicity among our staff. We engage our employees with sustainability awareness promotions across office, regular staff activities, and Monthly Sustainability Newsletter. By integrating sustainability into our daily routines, we aim to create a unique sustainability culture for everyone at Watson Water.

We are proud to have received the World Green Organization's Green Office and Eco-Healthy Workplace Awards for over 10 years, highlighting our commitment to a healthy and sustainable workplace.

We understand that the mental and physical well-being of our employees is of utmost importance. Therefore, we offer a 24-hour emotional support hotline to provide help and support to our employees at any time.


Our Product commitment not only drives circular economy, but also supports a more sustainable future.

 

Renewable & recyclable resources 

Since 2015, all Watson Water bottles are made from 100% rPET*. By utilizing rPET, we maximize resource value, reduce waste, and minimize the demand for virgin plastic. 

*Including our 8L, 4.5L, 1.8L, 1.25L, 800mL, 430mL, and 280mL distilled water bottles, as well as the Cool 380mL mineralized water bottle.

 
Recycle

Since 2019, Watsons Water has been the first beverage company in Hong Kong to launch the reverse vending machine (RVM) network. In partnership with various organizations, we encourage the community to participate in recycling, promoting sustainable development. For more details, please refer to the 3RS page.

 
The “Second Life” of beverage bottle

Watsons Water actively engages in upcycling by collecting used rPET bottles and collaborating with recyclers and brands to create products from these materials. This initiative not only reduces waste but also promotes sustainable fashion, demonstrating our commitment to environmental responsibility.



Watsons Water has launched the "3RS Green Alliance" promoting THREE key environmental behaviours: "RECYCLE", "REDUCE" and "REUSE". Watsons Water has a vision to unite corporates and institutions that share the same point of view in protecting our environment and initiating students into sustainable green practices.

 

RECYCLE

 

Since 2019, Watsons Water has been operating a cross-industry recycling network in Hong Kong, including the introduction of the “Smart Reverse Vending Machine” (RVM). By establishing RVM networks in various locations such as retail segments, hotels, shopping malls, residential areas, schools, and communities, recycling becomes smarter and more convenient.

 

 

Achievement: Development of Smart Reverse Vending Machine

From 2019 to 2023, as a government contractor for the EPD RVM Pilot Scheme, Watsons Water designed and developed the “Smart Reverse Vending Machine”, providing one-stop recycle solution from timely collecting recyclables from spots to transferring into reusable materials at the plant. Under the RVM Pilot Scheme, 120 RVMs were installed in phases at locations such as public places, government facilities or shopping centres with suitable foot traffic for trying out by the public, with the provision of an instant rebate ($0.1 per plastic beverage container) via e-payment platforms to encourage the public to return used plastic beverage containers.

 

Launch of Reward Program for Reverse Vending Machine

In July 2019, Watsons Water became a pioneer to introduce Rewards Program for Reverse Vending Machine. By recycling empty water plastic bottles via Green Point Smart Water Bottle Reverse Vending Machine, member can earn Green Points for exclusive gifts or rewards from AlipayHK. Watsons Water had been collaborated with over 300 partners, including hotels, real estate companies, shopping malls, retail stores, schools, sports events, and social enterprises.

 

Upgraded to "Smart Bottle & Can Reverse Vending Machine "

In 2024, Watsons Water upgraded recycling machines to "Smart Bottle & Can Reverse Vending Machine". The system was fully optimized to handle a wider range of recyclable beverage containers. It can recycle not only plastic beverage containers, but also aluminum cans. Watsons Water fully supports waste reduction.

 

REDUCE

 

Watsons Water promotes the usage of “Smart Water Dispensers” and carboy water at both indoor / outdoor locations and sponsored events. By introducing “Smart Water Dispensers”, we encourage reuse of water container by offering advanced hygienic smart water filling station to avoid single-used plastic bottles, in result of reducing carbon emission.

 

Achievement: "Bring Your Own Bottle" Campaign

Over 500 outdoor and indoor “Smart Water Dispensers” have been installed and operated in government venues, schools, shopping malls and retail segments. The Smart Water Dispensers calculate carbon emissions reduction and display the cumulative number of water bottles saved on the screen which able to review carbon reduction efforts.

The Smart Water Dispensers equipped with:

i) Dual antibacterial disinfection system - UV Disinfection System to remove most forms of microbiological contamination from water, plus Certified Filtration System that ensures certain level of contaminants in the water are removed in order to provide safe drinking water


ii) Smart and easy to use - Photoelectric sensor detects container to provide touchless water-filling function


iii) Hidden Spout avoids direct contact with potential contamination


iv) Safe and reliable, with the capability to connect to a filtration system. The filter cartridges meet NSF 42 and NSF 53 international certification standards, effectively removing lead and providing safe drinking water.

 

“3RS Green Alliance” for Campus

The 3RS Green Alliance Program by Watsons Water is an initiative that aims to promote sustainable green practices among students. The name of the project is derived from the 3RS concept which stands for Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. The program encourages students to apply these principles in their daily lives, focusing on reducing waste, conserving resources and protecting the environment. To advocate for the 3RS concept, the program motivates students to adopt different eco-friendly practices in schools, such as bringing their own reusable bottles and drinking more water. Thus, they can reduce waste at the source and mitigate the harm of plastic pollution. By evaluating the schools’ water usage of the water dispensers and other green commitments, 3 levels of the membership will be awarded. Allies can participate in a variety of green experiences and workshops based on their levels of engagement. Through this reward scheme, Watsons Water hopes to unite institutions with shared green visions and cultivate the next generation to live with greener lifestyle. Over 200 schools join the campaign.

 

REUSE

 

Watsons Water promotes a new drinking trend by encouraging citizens to adopt more eco-friendly drinking habits with using reusable “3RS Recyclable Lightweight Aluminum Bottle 500ml”, which is produced with 100% recyclable material aluminum including the body and the cap of the bottle. It also cultivates habits of water conservation and reduces single-use plastic beverage bottle. Aluminum can be recycled to create a wide variety of different products and is one of the most recycled materials in the world.

 

 

Achievements: "3RS Recyclable Aluminum Bottle Vending Machine"

Watsons Water promotes REUSE and "3RS Recyclable Aluminum Bottle Vending Machine”. These aluminum bottles are BPA-free, durable and sleeveless. It aligns with waste reduction principles and represents a minimalist lifestyle. They can be easily cleaned and reused after drinking. It encourages the habit of bringing your own bottle to reduce plastic waste at the source.


AS Watson Group Sustainability Reports 

o   Please refer to AS Watson Group sustainability website

 

Our Footprint in the Community 

o  Sustainability Awards

o  Signatory of the Packaging Reduction Charter

 

2024-2025 ECR Excellent Case- ASWI “Sustainable circular solutions from product to education” 2024-2025About Operation Smile

o Gold award 2023 

o Bronze Award 2022 

o Certificate of Merit 2021 

 

Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards 2025

o Award for Innovation in Sustainability – Reuse and Recycle – Silver

 

Asia-Pacific Stevie® Awards 2025

o Award for Sustainability & Climate Protection Services – Gold

 

The Hong Kong Green Organization Certification (HKGOC) Wastewi$e Certificate

o “Excellent” Level certification Oct 2024 – Dec 2024

 

The Hong Kong Green Organization Certification (HKGOC) Wastewi$e Certificate

o “Excellent” Level certification Oct 2024 – Dec 2026

 

Environmental Campaign Committee's Hong Kong Green Organization

o  July 2023 - June 2025

 

GS1 Consumer Caring Scheme 10+ years award

 

GS1 Caring Company “20 Years+” award

 

Worldwide Fund Hong Kong’s Earth Hour

o Certificate of Appreciation 2022-2024

 

Capital Magazine ESG Award 2023 ESG

 

iRecycle ESG Award 2023