Taipei: Taiwan Sugar Corp. (Taisugar), the National Atomic Research Institute (NARI), and Nice Enterprise Co., Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on a project focused on recycling carbon generated during the sugar-making process. The initiative aims to integrate carbon-capture technologies and equipment developed by NARI into the chimneys of Taisugar’s factories to convert carbon dioxide emissions into sodium bicarbonate.

According to Focus Taiwan, the sodium bicarbonate produced will be utilized by Nice, a Taiwan-based cosmetics producer, as an ingredient in cleaning products such as soap and laundry detergent. This partnership is part of Taisugar’s ongoing efforts to implement circular economy strategies, having previously used recycled sugarcane bagasse as fuel.

Huang Cheng-chung, head of Taisugar’s sugar business division, emphasized that the partnership establishes a new circular system linking sugar cane fields to factory chimneys and sugar production to cleaning products. Nice factory manager Chang Chih-yu highlighted the creation of a “fully green production site,” while NARI Vice President Chen Ming-huei noted the project’s significance in translating scientific research into industrial applications.

Additionally, Taisugar opened its Huwei sugar refinery in Yunlin County on Tuesday to prepare for the 2025-2026 sugar production season. At the opening ceremony, Vice Economics Minister Lai Chien-hsin commended the refinery’s commitment to the circular economy, citing its use of bagasse for fuel and production of feed and fertilizers from molasses. The refinery is expected to harvest approximately 241,000 metric tonnes of sugar cane and produce around 21,000 metric tons of sugar by April 1, 2026.