Developing Circular Economy and Sustainable Value
Environmental awareness is on the rise, prompting consumers and corporations to reflect on the environmental impact of their consumption patterns. As a result, circular economy is gaining traction.
Information disclosed reflects data collected from the reporting year.
FENC is one of the top 3 PET suppliers in the world. PET is one of the few plastic materials that can be recycled and reused. In 1988, FENC established the first recycling and remanufacturing plant for PET bottles in Taiwan. With over 3 decades of research, development and innovation, FENC is reinventing waste PET bottles and bringing sustainability to the PET industry.
For years, the Company has been developing chemical recycling technology for waste PET and polyester to amplify the effects of circular economy. A breakthrough came in 2020, which makes recycling and remanufacturing waste apparel and textiles possible. In addition, FENC’s unique ocean plastic recycling and remanufacturing technology helps protect marine habitat. The Company is reaching sustainable development in the polyester industry with circular economy, making the Company an essential link in the global green supply chain.
Recycling for Advanced Deployment
FENC invested in building the first PET bottle remanufacturing plant in Taiwan – Taiwan Resources Recycling Co., initiating circular economy production model with waste recycling and reuse.
FENC obtained 100% of the shares of Taiwan Resources Recycling Co., which is consolidated into the recycling business unit of Oriental Resources Development Limited.
Functional fabrics made with waste PET bottles by FENC are the chosen materials for soccer jerseys during the 2010, 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup. FENC put the international spotlight on Taiwan during the sports events, and the press crowned FENC’s innovation the pride of Taiwan.
FENC established Far Eastern Ishizuka Green PET Corporation (FIGP), expanding its production territory to Japan.
- FENC collaborates with adidasⓇand Parley for the Oceans on the development of Ocean Plastic.
- Production began in Plant 2 in Taiwan. Manual bottle recycling is now replaced by machines, which expands the processing capacity to over 50% of waste PET bottles in Taiwan.
The recycling technology is refined, which boosted production capacity.
- FENC acquired the rPET manufacturer, Phoenix Technologies International, LLC.
- In light of growing demand for green products, the recycling business unit of Oriental Resources Development Limited is separated into Oriental Green Materials Ltd. (OGM).
- FENC established the pilot plant for chemical recycling.
Far Eastern Ishizuka Green PET Corporation (FIGP) built the second production line.
Production Sites
rPET Industry Status
World’s No.2 rPET supplier
World’s NO.1 food-grade rPET supplier
World’s NO.1 recycled ocean polyester supplier
World’s NO.1 recycled polyester filament supplier
The only overseas recycling and remanufacturing supplier acknowledged by the Japan Containers and Packaging Recycling Association
rPET Production Capacity and Plan
Environmental Performance
FENC’s contribution to waste reduction 21,000,000,000 PET bottles / year
The bottles may circle the earth 120.5 times.
FENC’s contribution to carbon reduction 900,000 tCO2e / year
The equivalent of carbon absorbed by 2,300 Daan Forest Parks.
Compared to conventional PET resin production, using recycled PET bottles as the raw material reduces GHG emissions by 63%.
Product Certification
Product Applications
- Bottle to Fiber-Remanufacture PET Bottles into Textile Products
- Bottle to Bottle-Remanufacture PET Bottles into Food and Beverage Containers
- Bottle to Other Applications-Continue Expanding Applications for Waste PET Bottles
- Ocean Plastic Series
PET Bottles
rPET
Recycled Polyester Fiber
Textile Products
PET Bottles
rPET
Recycled PET Preform
rPET Bottles
Credit cards
Glasses frames
Packaging for fresh groceries
Packaging for cleaning products
Packaging for toys
Packaging for electronics
Storage boxes
Sneakers
Ocean plastic is a critical threat to marine habitat. Beginning in 2016, FENC collaborates with adidasⓇ and Parley for the Oceans on the Ocean Plastic project, keeping waste plastics from threatening the ocean. In 2020, the scope of the project was expanded, capturing over 6,000 metric tons of ocean plastic, which were converted into new products.
Taiwan is deeply concerned about ocean governance and blue economy. The Ocean Conservation Administration of Ocean Affairs Council established Marine Debris Recycling Coalition on the 2020 National Oceans Day. FENC was invited to join the coalition and is responsible for remanufacturing waste PET collected from the ocean.
Environmental Protection Administration implemented Marine Waste High Circular Utilization Promotion Program in 2020. Ocean plastics collected from the beach cleanups are turned into clothing made of materials that contain 96% of waste PET bottles. The innovation challenged the existing recycling and textile technology in Taiwan. This program also pioneered the world’s first verification mechanism. OGM, a subsidiary of FENC, collaborated on the project with the government, suppliers and international verification agencies. The result sets a paradigm for the recycling and reuse of marine debris. ► Video (Chinese)
On June 4th, 2019, Mayor Wen-Tsan Cheng of Taoyuan City signed the MOU to recycle and reuse ocean PET bottles with FENC. Beginning in June 2019, 11 volunteer groups consisting of coastal guards as well as environmental fleets from Yongan, Zhuwei and CPC Corporation in Taoyuan City conducted beach and ocean cleanups. The waste PET bottles collected were sent to FENC to produce runner’s jerseys and other green products, which were gifted to the residents and volunteers who participated in the cleanup campaigns through Taoyuan City Government as a token of appreciation. This completes the cycle of saving the ocean through recycling and reusing plastic waste.
In 2020, FENC produced 400 pieces of clothing using waste PET bottles as gifts to the volunteers who safeguard the coastal environment.
Facts about PET
Transparent PET bottles increase recycling efficiency and add value to the remanufactured products.
The Coca-Cola Company has replaced the green Sprite bottles with transparent ones. Among the preform markets of FENC, Hong Kong and Malaysia have switched to the transparent Sprite bottles.
PET is an eco-friendly plastic material that can be recycled and remanufactured.
Brands such as L’Oréal, P&G, Unilever, Hasbro and IKEA are transitioning to PET or even rPET packaging materials. FENC has long-term partnerships with these brands, helping them accomplish their green missions.
New Circular Economy Solution - Breakthrough in PET recycling technology
PET bottles account for 1/3 of the downstream applications for PET. The remaining 2/3 are used towards polyester fiber, which is a widely used material for apparel and textile. Most textile products blend at least two different fibers together, consist of multiple pigments and use accessories such as zippers and buttons, making recycling a difficult task.
FENC’s latest TopGreenⓇChemCycle technology adopts the chemical recycling approach. In addition to PET bottles, which is relatively simple in composition, the technology is capable of recycling other PET products such as apparel, textile and packaging materials, which consist of a mixture of materials. Through chemical approaches, these products are transformed into PTA, a main raw material for PET production. rPTA can be used to produce all PET products with quality that rivals those made of petrochemical materials.
FENC’s TopGreenⓇChemCycle technology leads industry peers and has been patented in Taiwan, U.S. and Australia. Production has begun at pilot plants in a minor scale. In July 2020, TopGreenⓇChemCycle was adopted by CCBJI, the Coca-Cola bottler in Japan, and large-scale commercialization can be anticipated.
FENC has found a solution to the long-term environmental dilemma caused by waste apparel and textile products, leading the PET recycling industry into a new chapter. ► Video
Part of the plastic film on a PET bottle is made of PVC; the lid is made of PP and PE, which prevent them from being recycled and remanufactured with the PET bottles.
To reach zero solid waste during production, FENC invested in solid waste incinerators to turn plastic film into thermal energy to power the production, while the lids are recycled and remanufactured into plastic pallets.
Non-polyester content in blended fiber cannot be transformed into raw materials through chemical recycling. FENC collaborates with startups and turned non-polyester textile into fuel rods, replacing coal to generate power in the boilers.
Engagement
FENC has set the paradigm for industry peers with its production technology as well as recycling and remanufacturing model. In addition to the industry peers in Taiwan, FENC has also established the best practice of circular economy for the international community. The Company frequently receives visitors from international governments or invitations to speak at international forums. FENC continues its commitment to external communication and engagement, strengthening multi-lateral cooperation and increasing public awareness by participating in sharing sessions, promotional campaigns and exhibition.
Taiwan celebrated the first National Oceans Day. FENC participated with exhibition at the Marine Debris Recycling Coalition area. During the event, Minister Chung-Wei Lee of Ocean Affairs Council, Director-General Hsiang-Wen Huang and Deputy Director-General Xin-Zhen Song of Ocean Conservation Administration and Ambassadors of Belize, Nauru and Tuvalu visited FENC’s exhibition and were deeply impressed.
FENC was invited to speak at Packaging Recycling Organization Vietnam (PRO-Vietnam) to share the Company’s success in recycling with up to downstream suppliers as well as governmental authorities in Vietnam.
FENC was invited to speak at the seminar for textile economic and trade development, Sharing Session on Development of Environmental Textile – Methods and Applications on Recycling and Remanufacturing of PET Bottles.
FENC was invited to participate in the World Oceans Day exhibition held by Taoyuan City Government to showcase FENC’s accomplishments in recycling and reusing marine debris.
Ocean Conservation Administration of Ocean Affairs Council held a seminar on Marine Debris Circular Platform Exchange. FENC was invited to share its innovative R&D efforts and success stories of turning marine debris into functional textiles.
FENC conducted a discussion with Recycling Fund Management Board of Environmental Protection Administration, Executive Yuan and distinguished professor Allen H. Hu from Institute of Environmental Engineering and Management of National Taipei University of Technology on establishing classification system for recycled plastics. At the event, FENC provided recommendations from the industry perspective for the government representatives.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ocean Affairs Council, American Institute in Taiwan, Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association, Netherlands Office Taipei and Industry Technology Research Institute co-organized the online workshop, Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF) – Addressing Marine Debris with Circular Economy. During the event, all parties exchanged views and experiences on tackling waste management issues such as marine debris. The online workshop drew nearly 700 participants from the government, industry, academia and NGO in 16 countries. FENC was invited as the speaker to share with experts from Taiwan, Japan, the Netherlands and U.S. the story behind recycling and reusing waste PET bottles, and how the Company turned them into high value sneakers and sports jerseys to improve the value of circular economy.
Mini Trashpresso
FENC joined hands with MINIWIZ and developed mini Trashpresso. The mobile recycling line is currently touring cities around Taiwan. With an interactive recycling process, the public is encouraged to supply recycling materials, giving new values to the discarded trash.
It takes only 5 minutes for mini Trashpresso to process trash into useful resources. It processes over 50 kg of PET bottles within an hour, which streamlines the recycling process, making it fun and fast.
Speech at Taipei University of Science and Technology
FENC was invited to give a keynote speech on October 17th at Institute of Environmental Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology to introduce recycling concepts and circular business model to graduate students.
Demonstration Plant Designation from Environmental Protection Administration
On July 19th, 2019, Minister Chang Tzi-Chin of Environmental Protection Administration led the staff from Department of Waste Management and Recycling Fund Management Board on a visit to FENC to be familiarized with the Company’s remanufacturing technology and products. During the visit, the group discussed the development of the recycling industry, current status of recycled materials and regulatory confines in Taiwan.
Visits from Sustainability Delegation
On July 24th, FENC introduced the recycling technology and discussed the experience of working with recycling fund with a group of 30 visitors. Among them are Dr. Eugene Chien, Chairman of Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy as well as officials from National Audit Office and Environmental Protection Administration.
FENC received the Chief Administrative Officer of Oxford County and Mayor of Woodstock from Ontario, Canada. (Environmental Protection Administration/Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
FENC received auditing officials from Turkey and Latin America countries, including Uruguay, Nicaragua, Honduras, Columbia, Brazil and Argentina. (Environmental Protection Administration)
FENC received Mr. Paulo Da Silva Lemos, Policy Officer of Sustainable Products from Directorate-General for Environment of European Commission. Mr. Lemos is in charge of setting EU policies regarding circular economy, recycling and plastics restrictions. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
FENC gave a lecture at International Youth Forum on Promoting Corporate SDGs During the forum, the Company shared the experience of developing SDGs with the 700 members onboard Ship of World Youth from Japan. (Department of Youth Affairs, Taoyuan City Government)
FENC received state delegation from Mississippi, U.S.. (Environmental Protection Administration/Taoyuan City Government)
FENC gave a lecture at Taiwan-Japan Trade and Economic Sustainability Forum. FENC shared the Company’s achievement in circular economy and the experience of expanding recycling production into Japan with a wide audience, including 390 members from the government, industry and academia. (Bureau of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Economic Affairs)
FENC received Mr. Janez Potočnik, co-chair of the International Resource Panel at the United Nations Environmental Programme, and Mona Arnold, principal scientist from Technical Research Center of Finland. They visited FENC and spoke at 2019 Taiwan Circular Economy Summit. Environmental Protection Administration made a special arrangement and invited them to FENC for a fruitful discussion on circular economy in Taiwan. (Environmental Protection Administration)
FENC gave a lecture at Asia-Pacific Circular Economy Roundtable. (Ministry of Economic Affairs/Environmental Protection Administration)
FENC gave a lecture at International Ocean Forum on Southeast Asia. During the forum, the Company shared its Ocean Plastic products and the innovative approaches that protect the marine habitat. (Ocean Affairs Council)
FENC is selected as one of the case studies for COP 25 side events.
FENC Collaborates with 7-Eleven and Coca-Cola in Japan on Closed Loop Recycle Model
PET bottles recycled at 7-Eleven in Japan are processed by two FENC subsidiaries, Hsinpu Chemical Fiber Plant and FIGP, and remanufactured into food-grade rPET. The downstream manufacturers then make the rPET into Coca-Cola bottles, which completes the closed loop recycle model.
Sponsoring Runner’s Outfit on World Earth Day Event
On April 28th, National Geographic Channel held the 7th Earth Day Run. FENC sponsored the event with 20,000 runner’s T-shirts that are made of waste PET bottles. That is the equivalent of 150,000 waste PET bottles, which curbed nearly 6,000 kg of CO2 emissions. ► Video
Recognitions
Winner of Outstanding Enterprise in Circular Economy – Two Star
Circular Economy Leadership Award
CSR Excellence in Environmental Sustainability
Participating in World Oceans Day
GCSA
Outstanding Practice Award
World Class
TCSA
Circular Economy Leadership Awards
Coca-Cola
Greater China
2019 Best Sustainability Award
Coca-Cola Japan
Domestic & Overseas
2019 Gold Medal Supplier
adidas
World Supplier
Sustainability
Award
Chinese Society for Management of Technology
Technology Management Award
