Lexington Tackles the Growing Plastic-Waste Problem – Women Talking talks to Carlotta Wong co-founder and managing director of Lexington Limited. Carlotta heads the company from trading and manufacturing roles to the ECO brand business. Lexington hopes to build a more sustainable environment by reducing disposable single-use products and its aim is to spread environmental awareness from Asia to the rest of the world.
Tell me about Lexington Limited.
“Lexington started in 1989, our house brand Lexngo designs and manufactures eco-friendly lifestyle products with the aim of creating a sustainable environment for the physical and mental well-being of future generations.
“Our products range from reusable drinking straws to collapsible mugs, bottles, and lunchboxes, as well as grocery and storage brands. Lexngo incorporates innovative product design into the product development process – in a move towards shaping a waste-free future with reusable daily essentials that are convenient and cost-effective.
“Lexington has offices in Hong Kong, China, and Singapore. Our production lines are in China and Vietnam. With strict quality control and one-stop production procedures, Lexngo has the competitive advantage to guarantee not only product quality and safety but also value for money.”
What was your line of business before Lexington Limited?
“I was doing Research & Development and sourcing duties in an overseas buying office for many years, where I managed to establish a broad network and received good support from my business partners and suppliers.
“The topic of environmental sustainability has always been close to my heart, especially after becoming a mum. My wish for my three boys is to grow up in a world without the paralysis of climate change.
“Unfortunately, the human impact on the environment has increased the pace of global warming more than ever before. Lexington thus started to tackle this growing plastic-waste problem in our daily lives and encourage others to take the first step forward.”
What are your most popular brands/lines?
“Our Lexngo silicone eco-friendly product lines and our newer product lines.
“In 2019, we launched our Resealable Reusable Straws which are made of silicone and designed with a leak-proof seal that can be unzipped for easy and thorough cleaning. This product line is still well-liked because of its unique product feature.
“Another popular product in our silicone eco-friendly range is our Flexi Collapsible Lunchboxes. These lunch boxes are collapsible making them easy to carry around; designed for people on the go, providing a stylish yet fuss-free alternative to disposable plastic takeaway containers.
“Our new range of Microwavable Stainless-Steel Containers has also garnered a lot of attention worldwide. With the added benefit of being microwave safe, they are durable and lightweight. Making it perfect for pre-made meals and as a lunchbox.
“Our newest rPET chopping boards and bags are made from recycled PET bottles, rPET collects plastic already in our economies, converting it into a reusable material to produce sustainable new products. By using rPET, plastic that may otherwise end up in landfills is reintroduced saving virgin resources and energy while encouraging a more circular economy.
“Another new sustainable product line is our PLA products.
“Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA) is a plant-based product transformed from naturally occurring sugar. Lexngo will be launching our own range of PLA biodegradable bags for household use. This ingenious material can also be used in clothing, personal care, the home, garden, electronics, appliances, and even new fresh food bio-packaging.”
Why do you use silicone for your products?
“Lexngo products are mainly made of silicone which exhibits properties common to both glass and plastics. Being non-toxic, durable, flexible, and elastic, silicone is safe for use across a wide range of household purposes and everyday needs. Many of our silicon products are designed to cleverly compact down, saving space in cupboards and bags when not filled. As a material it has proven to be more reliable and sustainable, helping to reduce plastic waste.”
How can companies increase awareness of environmental issues to the public regarding damaged caused by disposable plastic?
“Today’s consumers are generally better informed and more aware of the environmental impacts of disposable plastics. Unlike before, when the awareness around climate change and its impact was relatively low, the increasing number of news articles and documentaries on global warming has raised and widened consumers’ concerns about environmental issues.
“At Lexngo, we regularly update our social handles to remind the public of how we can consciously reduce our carbon footprint. Our business motto of “Buy better. Buy Less.” is printed on all our packaging, aimed to remind consumers that they should try to do their part by minimising their impact on the environment.”
What simple changes can we all make in the household for a more sustainable lifestyle?
“Personally, I would always bring along a reusable bag when I do my shopping to avoid single-use plastic bags at the supermarket. Whenever I take away my morning coffee and my lunch, I bring my own Lexngo Flexi mug and collapsible lunchbox. These are some habits I have formed over time.
“I believe every effort counts, just like how we can reuse and repurpose paper or plastic items whenever possible, like our product packaging. Ultimately, if it is within our means, we can all play our part to help the environment such as reusing paper for notes, making a switch to reusable straws when we drink bubble tea and using the washing machine only when it’s a full load.
“These are all small but significant ways we can integrate eco-friendly practices into our daily lives.”
What difficulties have you encountered in the business and how have you overcome this?
“Our team consists of people from different backgrounds and age groups. But together, we manage to create a strong company culture of responsibility.
“Another challenge we had was bringing the team together to have an environmental vision and keeping them engaged to think of new ideas.
“Ultimately, we try our best to achieve the same goals and beliefs – Sell the Problems we solve. Not the Products. From My Dream to Our Dream”.
Poppy Watt