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The Importance of Incorporating Recycled Materials Early in Manufacturing for Environmental Sustainability

As global attention on environmental protection continues to grow, more companies and brands incorporating ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles into their core strategies. We place particular emphasis on sectors such as household and kitchenware manufacturing because they are closely linked to daily life and carry the responsibility to promote sustainable living and environmentally conscious material choices.

Mist-covered forest representing natural carbon sequestration.
(Photo by Janeshan-paul on Unsplash)

Environmental Degradation That We Cannot Ignore

Global environmental degradation is increasingly problematic, including issues such as climate change, plastic pollution, resource depletion, and air and water pollution. Greenhouse gas emissions have led to rising global temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and more. Millions of tons of plastic waste are dumped into the oceans each year, further devastating marine ecosystems. Moreover, the extensive consumption of nonrenewable resources such as oil and gas threatens future resource sustainability. Industrial emissions of waste gases and wastewater have deteriorated air quality and polluted water sources, posing threats to public health and the ecological environment.

The Reasons We Need to Implement ESG

ESG standards, increasingly prominent in recent years, have become key indicators of long-term corporate sustainability and social responsibility. For us, this means proactive efforts are required in the areas of environment, society and governance. On the environmental side, this includes reducing carbon footprints, saving energy, and minimizing waste emissions. In terms of social responsibility, enhancing employee rights, promoting social welfare, and improving consumer health and safety. For governance, it’s about and increasing improving corporate transparency, strengthening practices, and ensuring compliance.

Clean recycles stainless steel launch box on the sink.
(Photo by URBANOMAD)

The Green Life the World is Promoting

Green living is an environmentally friendly, low-carbon, and sustainable lifestyle. In home life, this can be achieved through the use of natural lighting and ventilation, maintaining a clean and green environment, proper waste sorting, conserving water and electricity, and choosing environmentally friendly products.

Discarded plastic bottle on the ground, highlighting waste pollution.
(Photo by Roberto Sorin on Unsplash)

What is Environmentally Friendly Material?

Environmentally friendly materials refer to materials that have a relatively small environmental impact during production, use and disposal.

These materials usually have the following characteristics:

  • Renewable: Derived from renewable resources in nature, such as bamboo, wood, etc.

  • Recyclable: Can be recycled to reduce waste generation, such as recycled plastics, aluminum, etc.

  • Biodegradable: Able to decompose in the natural environment, reducing the impact on ecosystems, such as organic cotton, natural fibers, etc.

  • Low Pollution: Produces no harmful substances during production or use, making them safe for the environment and human health, such as water-based coatings, non-toxic glue, etc.

meal setup with reusable cutlery set that made of recycled stainless steel.
(Photo by JIA)

What Eco-Friendly Recycled Materials Can Be Made into Recycled Products Now?

As global environmental awareness grows, more and more recycled materials are being used to make new products. These materials not only help reduce waste generation but also decrease dependence on natural resources, allowing materials to have a greater impact and use.

The main process involves:

  1. Collection

  2. Sorting and Cleaning

  3. Crushing / Dissolution

  4. Refining / Filtration

  5. Pressing / Reshaping

  6. Forming

  7. Inspection

Examples of Common Recyclable Materials

A. Recycled Paper

Recycled paper is a common and straightforward recycled material and is one of the first environmentally friendly actions that can be easily implemented in daily life.

Stack of used cardboard boxes prepared for recycling.
(Photo by Jon Moore on Unsplash)
B. Recycled Plastics - Currently Recycled PET, Recycled PP, Recycled Polyester

Plastic is one of the most common materials in daily life, but it has also been a major contributor to environmental pollution in the past. Recycled plastics can be used to create a variety of products. For example, recycled PET bottles can be processed into fibers to make clothing, bags, and shoes.

Recycled plastics can also be turned into building panels, furniture, or packaging materials, reducing plastic waste and decreasing dependence on virgin plastics.

Colorful plastic bottle caps collected for recycling.
(Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash)
C. Recycled Wood

Wood waste generated during wood processing, along with discarded wood products, are reusable. Recycling wood not only reduces deforestation and conserves natural resources, but also allows wood to showcase its value again, adding unique beauty and texture to the final product.

Close-up of wood shavings, showing potential biomass materials.
(Photo by Kostiantyn Li on Unsplash)
D. Recycled Metals - Currently Recycled Carbon Steel, Recycled Cast Iron, Recycled Stainless Steel, Recycled Aluminum

Metal is a high-value recycled material because it can be recycled indefinitely without losing its properties. Through recycling, metal materials extend their service life and reduce the frequency of replacement, thereby reducing waste.

Close-up of metal nails, symbolizing industrial scrap recycling.
(Photo by Johnny Sanchez on Unsplash)
E. Recycled Fabrics

Currently available options include recycled fibers, recycled polyester yarn, and bio-based materials made using environmentally friendly and energy-saving methods. For example, textiles can be broken down into fibers and reused to create new fabrics and clothing. Recycled fabrics reduce the need for burning or dumping waste, which helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the strain on the environment.

Natural cotton reusable tote bag on white background.
(Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash)
F. Recycled Glass and Ceramics 

Glass is non-toxic and recyclable, making it an excellent choice for food storage containers and cooking utensils. Recycled ceramic tiles can also be used to create green building materials or as filling materials.

Pile of used light bulbs prepared for sorting and recycling.
(Photo by John Cameron on Unsplash)

Environmentally Sustainable Manufacturing Processes

Once a material is recyclable, it's equally important that the recycling process itself stays environmentally friendly, with a focus on low carbon emissions—this is a key factor for consumers when choosing products.

Stacked bases of metal pots, representing recyclable kitchenware materials.

We focus on using energy-efficient equipment and technologies to cut down on energy use and carbon emissions. Using low-carbon technologies during production and reducing greenhouse gases are essential steps. This also includes setting up good waste management systems to reduce waste and promote recycling and reusing resources. Improving water use and recycling water in the production process are key to making the entire system more efficient.

food containers made with recycled materials.

By following these practices, we can offer consumers healthier, eco-friendly products while building a strong company image. This helps us gain more consumer trust and support. As technology advances, the use of recycled materials will continue to grow, offering greener options across industries and helping achieve true sustainable development.

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