New Circular Logo Unveiled: Minister Peng Chi-ming Says Source Reduction and Sustainability Should Be Standard

(Central News Agency reporter Wang Shufen, Taipei, June 12) The Ministry of Environment and Rotary International District 3522 co-hosted the 'Green Gather' circular product exhibition, which opened today at the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming introduced the new circular logo, stating that waste reduction should begin with source reduction and that sustainability should become the standard.

Peng Chi-ming stated that the 'Resource Circulation Promotion Act' was passed on June 2, marking a significant turning point in Taiwan's waste management. He noted that despite being a progressive country, Taiwan has long faced problems with exposed garbage mountains and insufficient end-treatment capacity. Incineration facilities alone cannot provide a complete solution; it is necessary to start with source design and reduction, and improve the overall circular system through institutional reform.

Peng Chi-ming said that the upcoming 'Waste Disposal Act Amendment' will increase penalties for illegal dumping, littering, and excavation, and will introduce joint shareholder liability to address both accumulated and potential future environmental problems in one go.

Peng Chi-ming unveiled the new 'Circular Logo' at the event. He explained that it is based on international practices and serves as an important label for identifying circular materials and products, aiming to clearly present the proportion of circular materials and product characteristics.

Peng Chi-ming said the promotion of the new 'Circular Logo' includes three core concepts: material innovation, introducing professional guidance during the design phase, and ensuring products have market acceptance and sustainable value.

Peng Chi-ming emphasized that circularity should not remain at the level of exhibitions or concepts, where products are praised but not purchased. The goal is to make the price and value of sustainable products acceptable to the market, making sustainability a standard feature of products that are both well-received and commercially successful.

Peng Chi-ming praised the Rotary Club for listing environmental protection as one of its seven key areas of focus, noting that its philosophy is highly aligned with the circular economy. He shared his own experience of receiving a Rotary scholarship and joining the club, stating that Rotary's long-term commitment to public welfare, climate action, and social change is consistent with the government's sustainable policy direction. He also expressed hope that through Rotary's international network, Taiwan's circular materials, sustainable products, and related industrial capabilities could be promoted globally, further showcasing Taiwan's circular economy achievements on the international stage.

The Resource Circulation Agency of the Ministry of Environment stated that the 'Green Gather' circular product exhibition is free and open to the public. It features 'Taiwan Green Goods' under four main themes, with 56 locally-made products from 27 manufacturers that possess international competitiveness.

Exhibits include 'Pineapple Leaf Fiber Textiles' that transform Taiwan's annual 800,000 tons of pineapple leaf waste into fashion accessories, the 'Ji Pin Yang Sheng Green Gift Box' with a decomposable tray, an 'Eco-friendly Circular Recycled Umbrella' made from ocean-recovered PET bottle fabric and recycled tire carbon black for the handle, and eco-friendly incense sticks made from upcycled coffee grounds. (Editor: Zhang Mingkun) 1150612