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Taiwan's recycling 'success story' lauded by U.S. Smithsonian Institution

The museum and research group website published an article detailing Taiwan's story in Jan. 3

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The Eco-ARK Pavilion, Taipei (Flickr/Forgemind ArchiMedia)

The Eco-ARK Pavilion, Taipei (Flickr/Forgemind ArchiMedia)

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s successful recycling industry is no secret to the international community, and the island’s story made it on to the website of the world’s largest museum and research complex, the Smithsonian Institution, on Jan. 3.

The article describes Taiwan’s ecological journey, from its notorious past as the infamous “Garbage Island” to the world-renowned recycling haven it is today. As well as expounding the country’s unique garbage collection system for international readers, the article discusses the innovative upcycling projects carried out by Arthur Huang (黃謙) and his team.

Huang is the CEO of Miniwiz Co. Ltd.; a circular economy design solution powerhouse that was recognized as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum in 2015. His company was started in 2005 and has been responsible for numerous acclaimed green projects and products, including sunglasses made from recycled CD cases and a portable power generator made from recycled thermoplastic polymer.

Miniwiz were also responsible for the polyethene modules (Polli-Bricks) that make up Taipei’s EcoARK Pavilion building—a nine-storey construction in the city center designed by Huang.

The article goes on to say that as global plastic production ceases to slow down, and developing economies continue to grow—a phenomenon inexplicably linked with increasing waste production—other nations may do well to look to Taiwan as an example of how to curb mounting refuse levels.

The Smithsonian Institution is a museum and research group with establishments across the U.S. Its 19 museums collectively hold over 154 million items and admit 30 million visitors each year.