TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Environment on Friday established Taiwan’s first resource circulation upgrade center in Taipei.

The initiative is part of efforts to support the United Nations' designation of June 5 as World Environment Day. A different country hosts the event annually and sets a theme focused on environmental issues. This year's event is hosted by South Korea, with the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution."

Environmental Minister Peng Chi-meng (彭啟明) and Resource Circulation Administration Director Lai Ying-ying (賴瑩瑩) attended the center's opening ceremony. Peng said the circular economy is key to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. He noted that Taiwan has been committed to promoting sustainability and resource reuse, per CNA.

The center will provide businesses a platform to showcase circular products and offer services for waste-to-resource solutions, Peng said. The ministry plans to support 10 Taiwanese companies annually in developing green products and assist 40 brands in participating in exhibitions at the center.

The center launched its textile-themed exhibition on Friday, with additional expos on plastics, inorganic materials, and electronics scheduled later this year. The ministry said its circular textile strategy aims to help businesses adopt eco-friendly design practices and promote fiber recycling.

Advanced Fully Functional Technology is showcasing its fully recyclable socks and clothing at the center. The company said that many garments on the market are made from polyester blended with other materials, making them difficult to recycle.

The company noted its clothing and socks are made entirely of polyester. The products are comfortable to wear and can be 100% recycled into new items.

UKL Enterprise Co. is also attending the expo at the center. The company incorporates 5% to 10% pineapple leaves into its backpacks, hats, and scarves. It added the products are examples of resource reuse, and the pineapple fibers within the leaves have natural deodorizing properties.