• Eco Expo Asia 2024 15
Finnish eco excellence
November-December . 2024 | @ green
• Eco Expo Asia 2024 15
Revolutionising solutions
The smart bin uses visual recognition AI to identify and separate materials like plastics and metals
MAKING its debut at Eco Expo Asia 2024 , the Hong Kong-based Green AI Technology , a spin-off from the Hong Kong Industrial Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Centre ( FLAIR ), showcased its promising innovations in intelligent waste management .
FLAIR , a research hub specialising in industrial AI and robotics , focuses on developing technologies that can be commercialised to advance sectors such as waste management .
Through partnerships like Green AI , FLAIR is translating its research into impactful , marketready solutions , helping Hong Kong progress as a global technology hub .
Green AI ’ s flagship product , a “ smart bin ” designed to sort waste automatically , demonstrates the company ’ s commitment to making waste management more effective and efficient .
AT this year ’ s Eco Expo in Hong Kong , Ronaldo Chan , a PhD student from the Chinese University of Hong Kong ( CUHK ), showcased a groundbreaking product that epitomises sustainability and innovation .
As the CEO and CTO of Reharmony Limited , Chan is part of a project that aims to revolutionise building cooling solutions by utilising recycled glass in an eco-friendly exterior wall coating .
Founded in partnership with his professor Chen Chun , Reharmony Limited focuses on addressing urban solid waste through its innovative coating , known as E-COATING .
This product stands out due to its primary ingredient - recycled glass - turning what would typically end up in landfills into a valuable resource .
Chan stated : “ We want to utilise urban solid waste and transform it into treasure , highlighting the company ’ s commitment to sustainability . E-COATING is not only environmentally friendly ; it also provides significant energy savings .
“ By reducing indoor temperatures by up to 5.8 degrees Celsius , it allows buildings to lower their
Assistant Marketing Manager Chris Fu explained that the smart bin uses visual recognition AI to identify and separate materials like plastics and metals , thereby correcting recycling errors common in community bins .
“ Our AI system ensures materials end up in the right place , creating a more streamlined recycling process .”
GREEN COMMUNITY
Mechanical Engineer Oscar Chan highlighted how Green AI ’ s smart bin also ties into Hong Kong ’ s “ Green Community ” programme , where users can scan membership codes to earn rewards for recycling .
Although still in prototype form , the technology is already attracting attention from international markets , showing potential
electricity consumption for cooling .
“ This translates to a potential payback period for users of just one month , with many customers expected to see returns on their investment within one to two years .
“ It ’ s an investment for operational costs , especially for large corporates and small companies .”
TESTING PHASE
Currently , the product is in the internal testing phase , with trials being conducted on concrete houses to gauge effectiveness . Chan noted collaborations with various construction and energy companies , anticipating a market launch in Hong Kong and Mainland China within the following year .
“ We want to gather customer feedback to refine our product before the official launch ,” he said .
By blocking approximately 95 per for widespread adoption .
Presenting their technology at Eco Expo Asia was an invaluable experience , according to Fu and Oscar . It allowed Green AI not only to display its advances but also to learn from other companies innovating in environmental technologies .
Fu said : “ We ’ re seeing more and more interest in eco-friendly AI solutions , and the exchange here has shown us the range of approaches being developed worldwide .”
FLAIR ’ s vision , carried forward by spin-offs like Green AI , highlights a growing trend towards eco-friendly AI solutions in waste management , marking an essential step in Hong Kong ’ s journey toward a sustainable , technologydriven future .
Recycling glass , reducing heat
The research team ( from left ): Ronaldo Chan , Prof Chen Chun , Dr Yu Xinxian and Xiao Can .
cent of sunlight and continuously emitting infrared thermal radiation , E-COATING demonstrates a high cooling effect that reduces both electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions .
The Eco Expo Asia 2024 marked a significant milestone for Chan , as it was his first time presenting the product at this annual event , having previously attended only as a student .
“ I am optimistic about the future of green technology . We aim to establish a strong collaborative network with energy and construction companies to expand our reach quickly ,” he affirmed .
As more businesses and consumers recognise the importance of eco-friendly technologies , the future looks bright for Reharmony Limited and its commitment to turning waste into resourceful products .
Finnish eco excellence
ECO EXPO Asia 2024 marked an exciting debut for Woodio , a Finnish brand making waves with its innovative , eco-friendly products .
Representing a suite of Finnish eco-focused companies , Tanja Friis from the Consulate General of Finland introduced Woodio ’ s sustainable solutions that are capturing the attention of green technology enthusiasts worldwide .
Woodio , known for its unique solid wood composite , showcased its products at the event with great success . This composite , a blend of wood chips and resin , is crafted to be 100 per cent waterproof - ideal for sinks , doorknobs , and bathroom fixtures .
Friis described the material as incredibly durable , with an appearance and feel unlike traditional bathroom products .
Friis noted : “ Many people who see this say that they ’ ve never seen anything like it . The fact that it ’ s wood and waterproof is a very new concept for many .”
Founded in 2015 , Woodio introduced its first products in 2019 , using sustainable materials with a low carbon footprint .
Now , the company ’ s bathroom furniture and materials are found in various Finnish interiors , including private homes , hotels , and restaurants .
Woodio ’ s composite provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional ceramics , offering consumers both a sustainable choice and an aesthetic appeal unique to Finnish design .
Friis said : “ People want to feel how the product feels . Woodio ’ s sink , for example , feels and looks different from anything else , and that tactile experience is key .”
Beyond Woodio , Finland ’ s pavilion highlighted an array of eco-friendly Finnish products , reinforcing the country ’ s reputation as a leader in green innovation . As Friis noted , Finland ’ s commitment to sustainability aligns with the expo ’ s mission , making this showcase an ideal platform .
As Friis concluded , Finland ’ s reputation as a frontrunner in eco-innovation and its status as the world ’ s happiest country continues to attract global interest . – @ green