rPET Implementation Begins as Taiwan Advances Toward Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy

Taiwan produces over 5 billion PET bottles annually. Despite a high recycling rate of 95%, most recycled materials are downcycled, failing to achieve true resource circulation. The Homemakers United Foundation has launched Taiwan’s first tea beverage containing 30% food-grade rPET, promoting a “bottle-to-bottle” closed-loop system. The organization is urging the Ministry of Environment to expedite the establishment of rPET content standards and timelines for food containers to prevent “false recycling” from becoming the norm. The product also incorporates sustainable design elements such as lightweight bottles and easy-peel labels, reflecting a commitment to sustainability from content to packaging.

To advocate for supportive rPET policies and systems, the Homemakers United Foundation held a forum with representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and the private sector to discuss the challenges and opportunities of rPET promotion. Experts noted that while Taiwan has mature technology, regulatory frameworks still lag behind. They recommended developing six key systems, including green design guidelines, recycling classification, and public information platforms. The government stated that resource circulation efforts will integrate legislation, industrial transformation, and consumer participation, and that the “Resource Circulation Promotion Act” will be announced soon to build a comprehensive circular economy governance structure.

Reference: https://e-info.org.tw/node/241334