TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Cheng Loong Corp. has secured a NT$7.7 billion (US$257 million) sustainability loan to accelerate artificial intelligence integration and expand its low-carbon operations, the company announced Monday.
The industrial paper manufacturer said the five-year loan, arranged by Hua Nan Bank and joined by four other financial institutions, will support its global circular economy strategy and deepen AI adoption across its operations, per CNA. CEO Chang Ching-piao (張清標) said the company is advancing smart manufacturing and AI to boost resilience and reduce emissions, per MoneyDJ.
Cheng Loong said it cut carbon emissions in Taiwan by 9.38% last year compared to 2018, meeting its near-term climate goal ahead of schedule. The company was also named to the Carbon Disclosure Project’s “A List” this year—an honor awarded to just 6.22% of companies worldwide for climate action and supply chain engagement.
The firm has also worked to engage its supply chain, offering tailored climate guidance to nearly 300 suppliers and launching a dedicated questionnaire to track emissions across the industry. It also created Taiwan’s first carbon neutrality alliance in the paper sector, partnering with 20 companies to inventory the carbon footprints of pulp and recycled paper.
To offset rising carbon costs, Cheng Loong has significantly increased green energy investments. Its Zhubei plant now operates Taiwan’s largest biomass cogeneration system, replacing 112,000 metric tons of coal and raising alternative fuel usage to nearly 20%. Additional biomass and biogas systems are under development at its Houli plant.
From upstream audits to clean energy deployment, Cheng Loong says it is building a comprehensive, supply chain-wide decarbonization strategy aimed at long-term competitiveness.
