Building Sustainability with Oysters: A Case of the Great Eagle Group

Abstract

Hong Kong’s high seafood consumption generates significant oyster shell waste, straining landfills and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. In response, the Great Eagle Group partnered with Green Island Cement to launch the world’s first Oyster Shell Upcycling Programme in 2023. This initiative repurposes discarded oyster shells—rich in limestone—into sustainable cement, reducing reliance on carbon-intensive mining and landfill waste. Since its launch, nine tonnes of shells from Eaton HK and The Langham have been upcycled. However, challenges include the cost and labor of cleaning shells, storage and transport logistics, and the need for greater employee and public awareness to expand participation.