According to a recent Greenpeace report, Uni-President Enterprises, one of Taiwan’s largest beverage manufacturers, is the leading source of branded plastic waste found in the country’s rivers. The environmental group revealed that nearly 20% of the waste identified by brand during their 2023 survey originated from Uni-President products.
This alarming revelation came from a “plastic brand audit” conducted by Greenpeace East Asia Taipei along the Tamsui River and Zengwen River. The audit highlighted the growing issue of plastic pollution in Taiwan’s freshwater systems, with nearly 90% of the trash collected being plastic.
Plastic Waste in Taiwan’s Rivers: Key Findings
The Greenpeace survey, which involved manual collection and categorization of river waste, found that a significant proportion of the plastic waste found in Taiwan’s rivers could be traced back to well-known brands. Below is a breakdown of the brands contributing to the issue:
| Rank | Brand | Plastic Waste Percentage | Key Products |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Uni-President Enterprises | 19.3% | King of Tea, Mine Shine, Pure Tea |
| 2nd | Vitalon Foods Company | 7.5% | Royal Tea Garden Tea |
| 3rd | Swire Coca-Cola Limited | 5.4% | Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta |
As seen in the table above, Uni-President emerged as the largest contributor to branded plastic waste, accounting for nearly 19.3% of the total. The company, known for brands like King of Tea, Mine Shine, and Pure Tea, also operates Taiwan’s largest convenience store chain, 7-Eleven.
Following Uni-President, Vitalon Foods, a local tea beverage producer, was found to be the second biggest contributor to branded plastic waste, responsible for 7.5% of the waste. Swire Coca-Cola, an international brand, ranked third with 5.4% of the waste being attributed to its products.
Plastic Pollution: The Bigger Picture
In total, Greenpeace’s survey covered the Tamsui River in northern Taiwan and the Zengwen River in the south, collecting and analyzing over 31,000 pieces of waste. The results showed that a staggering 91% of the waste was plastic, with the most common items being PET bottles (34.8%), polystyrene packaging (17.5%), and single-use food packaging (16.4%).
Tina Chang, a Greenpeace volunteer involved in the survey, emphasized the insufficiency of relying solely on end-stage recycling to address plastic pollution. She argued that Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brands need to take responsibility by reducing their plastic production and shifting toward reusable systems.
Chang stated, “We need a systemic shift, from production to consumption. If brands continue to produce plastic without addressing the root cause, the plastic crisis will only worsen.”
Implications of the Findings
The findings of the Greenpeace survey have raised serious concerns about the role of corporations in contributing to plastic waste. Taiwan, an island nation with a well-established recycling system, is facing an increasing problem with plastic pollution in its rivers, lakes, and oceans.
While Taiwan has made significant progress in managing waste recycling and waste-to-energy systems, these efforts alone are not enough to tackle the root cause of the plastic crisis. The survey suggests that brands must take more aggressive action to reduce plastic packaging, particularly in the beverage and food industries.
Calls for Action: Reducing Plastic Waste in Taiwan
In response to the findings, Greenpeace is calling for several actions to combat plastic pollution in Taiwan:
- Stronger Corporate Responsibility: Companies must be held accountable for the plastic waste they generate and take steps to minimize their environmental impact by investing in sustainable packaging and reusable alternatives.
- Government Action: The Taiwanese government should implement stronger policies aimed at reducing plastic production and incentivize companies to adopt more eco-friendly practices.
- Public Awareness: Increased public education campaigns to reduce plastic consumption and encourage proper waste disposal.
- Recycling System Improvements: While Taiwan’s recycling efforts are commendable, they need to be expanded and improved to handle the growing volumes of plastic waste effectively.
FAQs:
1. Which company is the biggest contributor to branded plastic waste in Taiwan’s rivers?
Uni-President Enterprises is the largest source, accounting for 19.3% of the total branded plastic waste found in Taiwan’s rivers.
2. How was the plastic waste in Taiwan’s rivers analyzed?
Greenpeace East Asia conducted a “plastic brand audit,” collecting trash manually from the Tamsui and Zengwen Rivers. Volunteers counted and categorized the waste to identify the brands responsible.
3. What are the most common plastic items found in Taiwan’s rivers?
The most common items were PET bottles (34.8%), followed by polystyrene (17.5%), and single-use food packaging (16.4%).
4. What action is Greenpeace calling for in response to plastic pollution?
Greenpeace is urging companies to reduce plastic packaging, governments to enforce stronger regulations, and the public to be more conscious of their plastic consumption.
5. How can FMCG brands help address the plastic crisis?
FMCG brands can take action by reducing single-use plastic production and transitioning to reusable packaging systems.
Conclusion: Tackling the Plastic Crisis in Taiwan’s Rivers
The Greenpeace audit of Taiwan’s rivers underscores the growing problem of plastic pollution and the role that corporations play in contributing to the issue. With major companies like Uni-President Enterprises at the forefront of branded plastic waste, it is clear that corporate responsibility is key to addressing the plastic crisis. Taiwan, while a leader in recycling, must focus on reducing plastic production at the source to ensure its rivers and oceans remain clean and safe for future generations.
