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 in-depth 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 sustainable ocean development across the Indo-Pacific region. Two major outcomes were achieved: first, the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Japan's Clean Ocean Material Alliance (CLOMA), symbolizing both parties' shared commitment to marine debris governance; and second, a constructive dialogue session 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 the exchange meeting
During the IGES dialogue, both sides explored topics including marine debris governance, microplastics pollution, and the G20 Blue Ocean Vision, sharing the challenges and achievements of plastic reduction initiatives across Southeast Asia. The OAC was represented by Deputy Director-General Li Hsiao-hsia of the Ocean Conservation Administration (OCA), who introduced Taiwan's current status and future outlook in marine debris governance, including plans to establish an Indo-Pacific regional marine debris cooperation platform. IGES researcher Dr. Yasuhiko Hotta noted that Taiwan's leadership in ICT technology and data infrastructure could help ASEAN nations improve the effectiveness of their plastic reduction and circular economy strategies.
OCA Deputy Director-General Li Hsiao-hsia (center) witnesses the signing of the Letter of Intent between ITRI and CLOMA on behalf of the OAC
At the Taiwan–Japan Ocean Plastics Exchange Conference, OAC representatives witnessed the formal signing of the LOI between ITRI Industrial Services Center Executive Director Chen Li-wei and CLOMA International Cooperation Committee Chairman Fujiwara Masaaki, marking a deepening of Taiwan–Japan cooperation in marine debris governance. Deputy Director-General Li Hsiao-hsia stated that cross-border technology exchange and industrial collaboration will help Taiwan play a more prominent role in international networks for marine debris governance. Both sides also expressed hope that government, industry, academia, and research communities in Taiwan and Japan will work together to promote sustainable marine environmental development across the region.
The OAC, ITRI, and Taiwanese marine debris benchmark enterprises pose with Sumitomo Chemical following the exchange event
The Taiwanese delegation also visited leading Japanese companies with advanced expertise in 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 using chemical recycling technologies; Mitsui & Co. demonstrated its circular economy model for PET bottle and automotive material recycling in partnership with multiple companies; and Mitsubishi Chemical presented developments in marine biodegradable materials, as well as its newly developed Bio PBS — a bio-based product used widely in food packaging that achieves natural degradation to fulfill environmentally friendly corporate social responsibility.
OCA Deputy Director-General Li (second from right) representing the OAC exchanges with Dai Nippon Printing at the "Sustainable Material Expo Tokyo 2024"
The delegation also attended the Sustainable Material Expo Tokyo 2024. The exhibition attracted hundreds of participating companies — including benchmark enterprises such as TEIJIN, Asahi Kasei, and Toyobo — showcasing innovative applications of eco-friendly materials across various industries, and providing Taiwanese businesses with opportunities to connect and pursue follow-up collaboration. A Taiwan Pavilion was also featured at the expo, where Taiwanese exhibitors demonstrated innovative technologies and environmentally friendly concepts, showcasing Taiwan's capabilities to the international community.
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 projects and accelerate the application and market expansion of circular economy technologies among Taiwanese enterprises. They also look forward to jointly promoting marine environmental protection across the Indo-Pacific region, and to 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 the exchange event
Related Links
- Ocean Affairs Council Website
- Clean Ocean Material Alliance (CLOMA)
- Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)
Further Reading
