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Chen Kang Biotech Participates in the Joint Press Conference on 'Recyclable Mask Label Launch a

Post on 2024-01-29    / 3449 Views

Chen Kang Biotech Participates in the Joint Press Conference on 'Recyclable Mask Label Launch and Recycling Response

Economic Daily News Report:https://www.ctee.com.tw/news/20240123701627-431205
Breathing New Life into Masks: Transitioning from Disposal to Sustainability.
Cherish the Earth, Protect the Environment! Mask Recycling and Reuse to Prevent Ocean Pollution.

Commercial Times Report:https://money.udn.com/money/story/5722/7729880
Non-woven Fabric Association Promotes Mask Recycling and Reuse to Prevent Ocean Pollution.

In response to government policies and global trends, the association actively guides its member companies towards environmental, sustainable, and zero-net goals, aiming to position products manufactured in Taiwan at the forefront of the world, creating a competitive advantage. The association welcomes all mask industry participants to join in the environmental protection initiatives. Currently, more than 50 companies have joined discussions, and after achieving results in the future, it is not ruled out that the execution may be taken over by the Environmental Protection Administration or other public agencies.

The Mask War Room at the Textile Research Institute also concurrently provides statistics at the end of 2023, showing a daily production of approximately 6.09 million masks, with an average monthly output of around 183 million masks. Calculated at 4 grams per mask, single-use masks generate about 732,000 tons of mask waste every month. If in the future, the entire population universally adopts recyclable masks, the current mask recycling system can help reduce the carbon emissions associated with mask raw material production and incineration. This could result in a monthly reduction of approximately 1.786 million tons of CO2 emissions (the carbon emissions for polypropylene PP material from cradle to gate is 1.95 KgCO2/Kg, and the carbon emissions for incinerating masks as municipal waste is 0.49 KgCO2/Kg).

During his speech at the press conference, Chen Yongzhi, the convener of the Recyclable Mask Label, mentioned that Taiwan is the world's second-largest producer of masks. With this responsibility, Taiwan should take the lead in rallying countries worldwide to respond together. Mask recycling transforms the disposable nature of masks into sustainability. This initiative is not only a corporate responsibility but also contributes to the national image, indirectly enhancing the international competitiveness of Taiwanese products.

When asked why promote recyclable masks, Chen Yongzhi explained that during the pandemic, the world experienced a transition from a shortage of epidemic prevention supplies to an oversupply. Wearing masks in public places has become a habit, leading to the generation of billions of tons of mask waste every month. Apart from incineration, a portion of these masks is irresponsibly discarded into the natural environment, ultimately returning as plastic particles in the food chain. Epidemic prevention supplies, intended to safeguard health, paradoxically end up harming it. Chen expressed the hope that through the recyclable label, disposable masks can embark on a different product life cycle, moving towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. This, in turn, would make our lives more eco-friendly, creating a better Earth for future generations.

Mask manufacturers were also asked about the common perception that the cost of environmental protection is relatively high, and whether the replacement of mask materials would increase costs and affect the final retail prices.

The industry believes that the adoption of new materials leads to a slight overall cost increase. However, the final product pricing remains subject to each brand's pricing strategy. They emphasize the desire for the ultimate cost borne by consumers not to be excessively high, aiming to dispel the stereotype that being environmentally friendly is inherently more expensive.

Responding to the recyclable mask label, Dai Xiuling, the general manager of KANAXA Corporation, pointed out during the press conference that, during the pandemic, the government's call brought together mask manufacturers to form a national team, uniting against the epidemic. Currently, masks are treated as general waste, and the only disposal method is incineration. According to statistics, 5 billion masks enter the oceans worldwide every month. As a mask manufacturer producing masks to protect public health, it is disheartening that masks contribute to environmental pollution in oceans. The industry hopes for better options for masks, even extending the product life cycle, ending the public's misunderstanding of disposable goods. After responding to this project, materials from production waste, defective products, and used masks can be recycled, making full use of resources, reducing the use of new plastics, and contributing positively to corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices.

Regarding the recycling process, measures are taken to ensure that masks of different materials do not mix in the recycling bins. Collection bins are marked to indicate that only masks with the label can be recycled. Recycling operators also inspect and separate masks without labels for appropriate disposal. Fully recyclable masks made of all-plastic encourage uniformity in mask materials, adding a slight cost but making recycling and reprocessing possible. This represents the first step for the non-woven fabric industry in reducing waste and lowering carbon emissions.