TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — United Microelectronics Corporation on Wednesday opened a circular-economy and recycling center at Tainan Science Park to showcase how the tech firm is stepping up its sustainability efforts. 

Tainan City Government said the center will help cut waste and create new jobs. Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) explained the center is expected to create about 230 jobs, cut 15,000 tonnes of waste each year, and produce 6,000 tonnes of recycled goods.

Tainan Deputy Mayor Chao Ching-hui (趙卿惠) noted that the center shows how tech firms are trying to clean up their operations. Chao added that the city will keep working with companies to build a more resilient industrial environment.

The deputy mayor also noted that the UMC plans to turn waste into useful materials that may be returned to the tech supply chain. Chao said the firm is a model in the science park because it leads work on circular economy and recycling technology that helps upgrade local industries.

UMC said the center will serve as a research and demo hub for turning waste into resources. The firm noted that it invested NT$1.8 billion (US$56 million) in project to push long-term sustainability goals.

Tainan's economic development bureau said the city has worked to smooth the way for investors by setting up a one-stop service window and speeding up reviews. The bureau said the city wants more global companies to set up plants in Tainan so the local economy can grow in a sustainable way.