FEATURE STORY

Application of Green Production Measures in Goldsmithing

Throughout the process of goldsmithing, we strive to minimise the use of resources and environmental impact during the production process, and carry forward traditional craftsmanship with a sustainable approach. This allows crafts to not only embody the blessings of longevity and good fortune, but also highlight the significance of protecting precious natural resources and promoting recycling. In addition, various environmentally friendly practices are also used during the production process:

  • Conducting harm-reducing treatment of acids, alkalis and other chemicals used in the production process, to reduce the amount of hazardous waste generated
  • Minimising the waste of gypsum
  • Recycling wax used in the mould casting process
  • Using recycled water for mould casting
  • Applying recycled gold technology
R&D of Harmless Organic Solvents

Thinner is used during the waxing process. In order to reduce the damage and pollution caused by harmful substances to the human body and the environment, the production hub in Wuhan has this financial year developed relatively harmless organic solvents to replace thinner. At present, the production hub in Wuhan has fully adopted harmless organic solvents; we also plan to replicate the project at other production hubs.

30%
Reduction in GHG emissions intensity in FY2023
36%
Reduction in water use intensity in FY2023
52%
Reduction in waste intensity from production in FY2023
CLIMATE CHANGE

We take a focused approach in combating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions through energy conservation initiatives at our production hubs and Point of Sales (“POS”), as most of our GHG emissions come from electricity consumption at our production hubs and POS.

At our production hubs
  • Adopt natural lighting where possible, while LED light bulbs and energy-efficient T5 fluorescent tubes are used to reduce electricity consumption
  • Maintain air-conditioning systems at around 25°C to conserve energy
  • Use various environmentally responsible materials to reduce heat transmission and, as a result, greatly reduce air-conditioning demand
  • Install our production machines with timers so that machines switch off automatically or switch to low-speed mode when not in use
At our POS
  • Install LED or compact fluorescent bulbs to conserve electricity
  • Participate in the Charter on External Lighting advocated by the Environmental Protection Bureau of the Government of the HKSAR
AIR EMISSIONS

Our air emissions are mainly generated from our jewellery production process, which primarily comprises moulding, ultrasonic cleaning and hard gold electroforming. Air emissions generated include NOx, SOx, VOCs, dust and acidic gases.

  • Numerous measures are in place to minimise air emissions at different stages of production
  • Conduct air sample tests on poisonous gas levels
  • Install real-time monitoring system in our production hub in Wuhan
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Our jewellery production processes involve the consumption of water for moulding, hard gold electroforming, and gold plating. The production process requires the use of chemical substances containing slight traces of heavy metals and gypsum, which results in the production of acidic, alkaline, and gypsum wastewater discharges.

  • Prioritise water recycling and reuse in our production lines whenever possible
  • Pretreat wastewater prior to discharge in compliance with relevant regulations
  • Engage professional operators to collect, treat, and dispose of liquid chemical waste
WASTE MANAGEMENT
  • Store all hazardous waste in secured containers within well-ventilated hazardous waste storage areas for less than one year
  • Engage licensed contractors to ensure proper treatment and disposal of hazardous waste, and to collect and dispose of unrecyclable paper, food waste, and other daily consumables
  • Provide bins and trays in offices to collect recyclable materials
  • Publish internal communications on digital channels to reduce paper consumption

Our Initiatives

  • Family Environmental Protection Day: We organised a neighbourhood clean-up in Wuhan to foster awareness of environmental issues among the next generation.
  • Online shopping has had a significant impact on the environment due the waste created by delivery boxes. To align with our commitment to waste reduction and responsible sourcing, we require the paper used for our cardboard boxes to come from 100% recycled paper and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (“FSC”).
  • Our production hubs in Wuhan, Shunde and Shenzhen were awarded the Platinum Label from WWF-Hong Kong's Low Carbon Manufacturing Programme in FY2023.
  • We participated in activities organised by WWF-Hong Kong, such as the Marine Education Programme, to understand the importance of natural ecology and environmental protection.
  • We organised “Green Future, We Do” at our Shenzhen Headquarters to encourage behavioural changes among employees around the office. More employees are willing to turn off idled lighting and appliances, which resulted in a considerable reduction in electricity consumption since September 2018
  • Our new hybrid office space incorporates the concepts of sustainable offices and technological empowerment to build a green workplace.

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