A delegation composed of the Ocean Affairs Council (OAC), the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), and nine Taiwanese marine debris benchmark enterprises recently traveled to Tokyo, Japan, for an intensive series of exchanges focused on marine debris governance, plastic pollution reduction, and circular economy cooperation. The visit aimed to deepen Taiwan-Japan collaboration and advance the sustainable development of the marine environment across the Indo-Pacific region. Two significant outcomes were achieved: first, the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Clean Ocean Material Alliance (CLOMA), symbolizing both parties' shared commitment to marine debris governance; and second, a constructive dialogue with the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), centering on international cooperation mechanisms for plastic reduction and the standardization of microplastics monitoring.
The OAC delegation poses with IGES representatives following their exchange meeting.
During the dialogue with IGES, both sides explored topics including marine debris governance, microplastics pollution, and the G20 Blue Ocean Vision, sharing the challenges and achievements of plastic reduction efforts across Southeast Asia. The OAC was represented by Deputy Director-General Li Hsiao-hsia of the Marine Conservation Administration, who introduced Taiwan's current status and future outlook on marine debris governance, including plans to establish an Indo-Pacific regional marine debris cooperation platform. Dr. Yasuhiko Hotta of IGES also noted that Taiwan's leading position in ICT technology and data infrastructure could help ASEAN countries enhance the effectiveness of their plastic reduction and circular economy strategies.
Deputy Director-General Li Hsiao-hsia (center) of the Marine Conservation Administration witnesses the signing of the Letter of Intent between ITRI and CLOMA on behalf of the OAC.
At the Taiwan-Japan Marine Plastics Exchange Conference, OAC representatives witnessed the formal signing of the Letter of Intent between Chen Li-wei, Executive Director of ITRI's Industrial Services Center, and Fujiawara Masaaki, Chairman of CLOMA's International Cooperation Committee — marking a deepening of Taiwan-Japan cooperation in marine debris governance. Deputy Director-General Li Hsiao-hsia noted that cross-border technology exchange and industrial collaboration will help Taiwan play a more significant role in international networks for marine debris governance. Both sides also expressed their hope that government agencies, academia, industry, and research institutions from Taiwan and Japan will work together to promote the sustainable development of the marine environment across the region.
The OAC, ITRI, and Taiwanese marine debris benchmark enterprises pose with Sumitomo Chemical following their exchange meeting.
The Taiwanese delegation also visited several leading Japanese companies at the forefront of circular economy technology, including Dai Nippon Printing, Sumitomo Chemical, Mitsui & Co., and Mitsubishi Chemical. Dai Nippon Printing showcased innovative applications of biomass-based materials in packaging and electronics; Sumitomo Chemical shared progress on building a carbon resource circulation system through chemical recycling technology; Mitsui & Co. presented its circular economy model for PET bottle and automotive material recycling in partnership with multiple companies; and Mitsubishi Chemical shared developments in marine biodegradable materials as well as a newly developed biomass-based product (Bio PBS) that is widely used in food packaging and achieves environmentally responsible natural degradation through its innovative biodegradable properties.
Deputy Director-General Li of the Marine Conservation Administration (second from right) represents the OAC in an exchange with Dai Nippon Printing at the "Sustainable Material Expo Tokyo 2024."
The delegation also attended the "Sustainable Material Expo Tokyo 2024." The expo drew hundreds of participating companies, including benchmark enterprises such as TEIJIN, Asahi Kasei, and Toyobo, showcasing innovative applications of eco-friendly material technologies across various industries and providing Taiwanese manufacturers with opportunities to connect and explore future cooperation. A Taiwan Pavilion was also featured at the expo, where Taiwanese companies demonstrated their innovative technologies and commitment to environmental sustainability, giving the international community a glimpse of Taiwan's capabilities.
The OAC delegation poses with exhibiting companies in front of the Taiwan Pavilion at the "Sustainable Material Expo Tokyo 2024."
This visit successfully laid a solid foundation for future Taiwan-Japan cooperation. Both sides will continue to advance collaborative initiatives, accelerating the adoption of circular economy technologies in Taiwanese enterprises and expanding their market reach. Both parties also look forward to jointly promoting marine environmental protection across the Indo-Pacific region and making concrete contributions toward addressing global plastic pollution and marine debris challenges.
The OAC, ITRI, and Taiwanese marine debris benchmark enterprises pose with Mitsui & Co. following their exchange meeting.
Related Links
- Ocean Affairs Council Website
- Clean Ocean Material Alliance (CLOMA)
- Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)
Further Reading
