Minister of Economic Affairs: 5,000 Tons of Affordable Project Supply Plastic Packaging Materials; Plastic Reduction Incentives Not Ruled Out

Kung Ming-hsin presided over the "Caring for Business Districts' Impact of Plastic Products" seminar today, inviting representatives from business districts across the country to attend. He stated in post-event interviews that CPC Corporation's No. 4 cracker entered production early on April 1st, increasing ethylene supply. In addition to the current monthly supply of approximately 22,000 tons of polyethylene (plastic pellets), an additional 5,000 tons of ethylene "price-friendly project" has been added, with a maximum production capacity that can create 1.25 billion 1-jin plastic bags. By linking upstream plastic pellet manufacturers, downstream plastic bag operators, and distribution channels, the new production volume is ensured to be supplied to the market at reasonable prices, serving business districts, night markets, and general consumers.

Kung Ming-hsin stated today that based on feedback from the seminar, the overall supply volume is considered stable, but some retail channels, remote areas, and specific product specifications have indeed become difficult to order, and prices have generally risen.

Regarding business districts and markets still reporting tight supply and demand, Kung Ming-hsin emphasized that the price-friendly project is already in effect, and the current stage will be handled through existing dispatch mechanisms. As new material sources continue to be invested, the problem should be resolved quickly.

As for the price level of the price-friendly project, Kung Ming-hsin pointed out that in principle, it will reflect the affordable costs of upstream supply, but fixed prices will not be set to avoid pushing up market prices. Prices will be continuously monitored within a reasonable range.

Huang Chien-chiang, Chairman of the Shenkeng Business District Tourism Development Association, stated after the meeting that the current market's concerns about plastic bag supply are accompanied by hoarding psychology. The government's attitude and policies are crucial. Clearly conveying "uninterrupted supply and increased availability" would help reduce hoarding behavior.

He pointed out that this is also an opportunity to promote the cultivation of environmentally friendly habits. Consumers can bring their own shopping bags, stores can reduce proactively offering plastic bags, and the government can also propose corresponding supporting measures.

Kung Ming-hsin stated that business districts have long cooperated with the government's plastic reduction policies. In the future, relevant incentive measures will be studied, and cooperation plans will be discussed with willing business districts, using this opportunity to guide consumer habit transformation.

Liu Ching-tsung, Chairman of the Chiayi Zhulou Street District Technology Development Association, stated in an interview after the meeting that most suppliers' shelves in Chiayi City are almost empty, especially for specifications like "flower bags" and "1-jin inner bags." He believes that the north is relatively less affected, but the central and southern regions and remote areas are indeed facing tight supply. He hopes the government will prioritize assisting items in urgent need in the south when promoting the price-friendly project, to stabilize market confidence. (Editor: Pan Yi-ching) 1150407