Plastic was invented in the late 19th century and entered its heyday in the 20th century, changing people’s living habits over the past century. On the one hand plastics provide great convenience to people’s lives, but on the other hand the environmental pollution caused by huge amounts of plastic waste is becoming increasingly serious. How to effectively recover and recycle plastic waste has become the focus of social attention.

Sorting and recycling of cardboard boxes

(Photo courtesy of Tai On)

 Different types of plastic pellets

(Photo courtesy of Tai On)

Leading the industry

        With the assistance of the Investor’s “One-stop Service” provided by the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Tai On Environmentalist Recycling & Regeneration Factory Limited was registered with an industrial licence and established in 2006, and is the first company in Macao that can recover and process plastic waste into plastic pellets for export. The recycling plant has now been in operation for more than 15 years. It has not only obtained the ISO 9001 quality management system certification, but has also expanded the scope of services from plastic processing to the recycling of scrap metal, waste paper, waste petroleum, and other waste items such as old clothes and even large pieces of furniture. Tai On can also propose professional waste treatment solutions based on clients’ needs, and provide data records and analysis reports to improve corporate recycling efficiency, constantly contributing to the environmental protection industry of Macao.

Second-generation owner Ao Chan Kong

Recycled plastic bottle caps

(Photo courtesy of Tai On)

Second-generation owner leveraging the support of government policy

        Ao Chan Kong, the second-generation owner, recalls that when he took over Tai On, he found the recycling industry involves a wide range of operations, including production management, fleet, logistics, and export. When it comes to seeking breakthroughs in the industry development, Ao believes that the policy and planning of the government plays a vital role.

        Over the years, Tai On has actively participated in the Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF), which enables companies to gain up-to-date knowledge of the environmental protection industry, and showcase their new products and solutions to the public for new business opportunities. In Ao’s view, “the business matching service organised by IPIM along with the event is very effective; some of the hotels and government departments we are working with were connected through business matching. The signing ceremony during the event also helps to enhance the trust of our partners.”

        Moreover, favourable tariff policies have also boosted the development of Tai On’s environmental protection business. By successfully applying for the certificate of origin of Macao, the plastic pellets processed by the factory can enjoy preferential CEPA tariffs in the “Made in Macao” category, which enhances the competitiveness of the products.

Inspection of paper recycling process

(Photo courtesy of Tai On)

The company’s fleet

(Photo courtesy of Tai On)

Upholding green philosophy and breathing new life into plastics

        Speaking of his expectations and vision for the company, Ao hopes to lead Tai On beyond Macao and out into the world. “In the future, we hope to give new life to plastic waste with our technology, and to develop into a notable Macao brand with recycled materials. As such, not only can we contribute to Macao’s environmental protection endeavours, but more importantly, we can introduce Macao brands to the outside world, and let more people know that Macao enterprises also have their own competitive edge and Made-in-Macao products are quality guaranteed.”

Finished plastic pellets for export

(Photo courtesy of Tai On)

Signing ceremony in MIECF

(Photo courtesy of Tai On)

Contact Tai On

If you are interested in discussing co-operation with the above-mentioned company, please contact the staff of “Macao Ideas” during office hours.

Tel.: 

Ms Cheang +853 8798 9707

Ms Chong +853 8798 9739

Email: 

fionacheang@ipim.gov.mo 

elizachong@ipim.gov.mo