The plastic used in metal caps on glass bottles and jars could be replaced by a newly developed rubber, thereby helping to reduce damage to the environment, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) said yesterday.
The agency introduced “liquid silicone rubber” as a replacement for the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used in metal twist caps, which was the result of a one-year cooperation with the Plastic Industry Development Center.
The agency said PVC is used in many household items, but studies have shown that it creates toxic dioxins through incineration — causing damage to health and the environment, which has prompted global efforts to reduce its use.
Measures in Taiwan include a 100 percent redemption coupon for recycling containers that include PVC material, introduced in 2008.
While the silicone rubber has properties similar to PVC, such as in its stretching and twisting potential, it nevertheless helps to improves food and environmental safety, the agency said.
The agency added that the material does not contain plasticizers or heavy metals, meaning that the silicon rubber complies with food safety standards.
The agency’s Recycling Fund Management Board executive secretary, Ma Nien-ho (馬念和), said that at the current low-volume production, the silicone rubber costs about three to four times as much as PVC, but if recycling and other treatment costs are included in the calculation, it proves to be cost-effective.
The agency said that the Industrial Development Bureau is to further explore ways to mass produce the silicone rubber.
The Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association has cautioned Japanese travelers to be vigilant against pickpockets at several popular tourist spots in Taiwan, including Taipei’s night markets, the Yongkang Street area, Zhongshan MRT Station, and Jiufen (九份) in New Taipei City. The advisory, titled “Recent Development of Concerns,” was posted on the association’s Web site under its safety and emergency report section. It urges travelers to keep backpacks fully zipped and carried in front, with valuables placed at the bottom of the bag. Visitors are advised to be especially mindful of their belongings when taking photos or speaking on the phone, avoid storing wallets and
ENDORSING TAIWAN: Honduran presidential candidate Nasry Afura said that Honduras was ‘100 times better off’ when it was allied with Taipei The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday said it would explore the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations with Honduras based on the principle of maintaining national interests and dignity. The ministry made the remarks in response to reporters’ questions regarding an article titled: “Will Taiwan Regain a Diplomatic Ally?” published in The Diplomat on Saturday. The article said Honduras’ presidential election in November could offer Taiwan the chance to regain an ally, as multiple candidates have promoted re-establishing diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Honduras severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in March 2023 in favor of Beijing, but since switching its diplomatic recognition,
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The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) yesterday announced a ban on all current and former government officials from traveling to China to attend a military parade on Sept. 3, which Beijing is to hold to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War. "This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the Republic of China’s victory in the War of Resistance [Against Japan]," MAC Deputy Minister and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑) told a regular news briefing in Taipei. To prevent Beijing from using the Sept. 3 military parade and related events for "united
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