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News2020-12-28
EPA Marine Debris Product Certification Label Proposed for Products Containing Over 20% PET Bottles

A national team consisting of the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA), recycling treatment, and textile sectors has launched the “Treasure Top”. The top is made with up to 96% PET bottles and a plan for a “Marine Resources Recycling Label” is being drawn up for manufacturers whose products are made from marine debris, according to Yen Hsu-Ming, the Executive Secretary of the Resource Recycling Management Fund Management Association of the EPA, Executive Yuan on the 28th. Photograph by CNA Reporter Chang Hsiung-Feng, December 28, 2020

 

(CNA Reporter Chang Hsiung-Feng on the 28th, Taipei) In a bid to allow recycled marine PET bottles to enter the recycling system, the EPA has teamed up with the private sector to launch the “Treasure Top”, which contains up to 96% plastic from bottles. At the same time, a plan for a “Marine Resources Recycling Label” is also being formed for manufacturers to attain for re-made products containing over 20% marine debris.

According to the Coastal Beach Adoption System, in 2019 alone, plastic bottles weighing approximately 47 metric tons were cleared from Taiwan’s beaches. In an attempt to add more channels to eliminate marine PET bottles, a national team comprising of the EPA, recycling treatment, and textile sectors was assembled. Additionally, the “Treasure Top” containing at least 96% recovered PET bottles launches today.

Yen Hsu-Ming, the Executive Secretary of the Resource Recycling Management Fund Management Association of the EPA, Executive Yuan also said that apart from the top, they are also formulating a “Marine Resources Recycling Label” plan for products made from marine debris. In order for manufacturers to attain the label, the product content is set to contain at least 20% marine debris.

He also suggested that the certification label has been registered at the Intellectual Property Office. Applications to international certification bodies is also in process and is expected to be approved by the middle of next year. In the future, countries that wish to attain the label must make an application in Taiwan.

Mr. Yen further explained that although many companies are already making products from ocean waste, they do not have clear specifications for consumers as to the content. Not only does this project involve Taiwan's recycling and textile sectors, international certification bodies are also invited to take part, allowing the label to be more credited.

According to the EPA, the “Demonstration and Promotion Project of High Quality Recycled Marine Debris” has seen collaboration with the environmental protection bureaus of 7 outlying islands or coastal counties and cities in Taiwan. Throughout the project, approximately 8 metric tons of marine debris was selected, and 3.8 metric tons ended up being used as raw materials. In February 2021, over 1,500 treasure tops are expected to be manufactured.

The general manager of Tung Ho Textile, Chang Chia-Heng told CNA that as PET bottles contain more contaminants, they are more likely to deteriorate in the ocean, causing more difficulties in the manufacturing process. Although raw materials are first treated by other recycling sectors, there is still a defect rate of around 20%.

Mr. Yen said that the purpose of inviting different sectors to take part in the project is to establish a system, as well as regulations regardless of the cost. Once the system is fully set up, other manufacturers will be able to follow suit. Taiwan has an outstanding recycling system, as well as a textile capacity that enable overseas manufacturers to attain the certification label so long they follow the guidelines, achieving the aim of “Taiwan Can Help” in marine conservation. (Edited by Chen Cheng-Wei) 20201228

 

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