The "TASS 2020 Asian Sustainable Supply + Circular Economy Exhibition" was held today (2nd) at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center. In order to showcase the outstanding performance of Taiwan's SMEs in the circular economy and green sustainable development, the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Small and Medium Enterprises Administration specially planned to set up the "SME Sustainable Circular Supply Station". In addition to inviting 9 companies that received guidance this year to exhibit innovative green products and business models, the SME Administration will also award certificates and prizes to the companies. Huang Yaping, Group Leader of the SME Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (fourth from the right in the front row), Xiao Yaogui, General Manager of the Plastics Center, and 9 certified companies took a group photo together. Huang Yaping, Group Leader of the SME Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (fourth from the right in the front row), Xiao Yaogui, General Manager of the Plastics Center, and 9 certified companies took a group photo together. Photo by Plastics Center Huang Yaping, Group Leader of the SME Administration, said in her speech that 100 billion tons of natural resources are lost every year in the world, 90% of which are not recycled, indicating that recycling has great development potential. In particular, the US-China trade war and the pandemic have impacted the operations of small and medium-sized enterprises. How businesses can innovate their operating models, especially how to move towards green innovation, increase the added value of their products, and thus align with international standards, is a direction that small and medium-sized enterprises must face and strive for. Huang Yaping pointed out that it is a trend for companies to follow international circular standards and incorporate green sustainability frameworks and concepts into their operating models. By sharing the experiences and advantages of circular economies of companies in various countries, it can inspire Taiwanese small and medium-sized enterprises to continue to innovate circular economy operating models, thereby entering the international market and tapping into global green business opportunities. Qi Li Industrial exhibited the "Fine Dust Filtering Fan Unit (FFU) Monitoring System." Photo by Yang Congqiao Qi Li Industrial exhibited the "Fine Dust Filtering Fan Unit (FFU) Monitoring System." Photo by Yang Congqiao. The "SME Sustainable Recycling Supply Station" invited nine participating companies, including Yida Research Institute, Qili Industrial, Longpu Green Energy, Ruize Enterprise, Afei International, Daneng Biotechnology, Qiaofu Materials, Ruhe Sustainable Cultural and Creative, and Shangpinwang Food, to participate in the exhibition. They showcased green products made from recycled or waste materials, including biogas generation from chicken manure and wastewater; recycling and shredding socks and shoes to reduce the use of new materials; upcycling discarded clothing materials into new apparel; utilizing agricultural and forestry waste to promote carbon reduction and plastic reduction in the fragrance industry; reusing waste bean dregs in multiple ways to increase their economic value; developing innovative food ingredients from fragrant flowers to reduce waste; converting agricultural surplus materials into energy to reduce waste and carbon emissions; developing biodegradable films that turn mushroom bags into organic compost; and converting and integrating FFU monitoring systems to reduce industrial energy consumption. Yida Research Institute exhibited vegetarian products and livestock feed made from bean dregs. Photo by Yang Congqiao. Yida Research Institute exhibited vegetarian products and livestock feed made from bean dregs. Photo by Yang Congqiao. Meanwhile, the "Sustainable Materials Library," which will officially open on December 9th, was also previewed at the exhibition in a condensed version, showcasing a variety of low-hazard, energy-efficient, and easily recyclable sustainable materials, allowing visitors to understand the sources and uses of various materials. The "Sustainable Materials Library," located at the Taichung Plastics Industry Technology Development Center, not only features physical displays but also an online database. Through its diverse material resources, it aims to provide small and medium-sized business owners with new ideas for green design and the creation of more sustainable products. Regarding the functions and goals of the "Sustainable Materials Library," Xiao Yaogui, General Manager of the Plastics Center Foundation, stated that Taiwan's various industries hold a wealth of potential for sustainable development, including materials, design, and processing. In terms of materials, many countries and many industries do not know the sources of sustainable materials. In order to provide a platform for consultation and communication, the Plastic Center plans to set up a "Sustainable Materials Library". It will collect 2,000 types of materials, semi-finished products and finished products with sustainability, environmental protection and recycling value within 4 years. At the same time, it will use online databases to connect manufacturing supply and design needs, thereby creating sustainable circular business opportunities and providing opportunities for innovation, production and industrial transformation. Xiao Yaogui, General Manager of the Plastic Center, explained the functions and goals of the "Sustainable Materials Library". Yang Congqiao/Photography Xiao Yaogui, General Manager of the Plastic Center, explained the functions and goals of the "Sustainable Materials Library". Yang Congqiao/Photography
