AUO CSR Prosperity Conference 2024: Showcasing Plastic Reduction Achievements through Co-Creating Supply Chain Value Reformation

“2024 marks a crucial year in the global battle against plastic pollution, with the Global Plastic Treaty set to be finalized by the end of the year. The goal of eliminating plastic pollution by 2040 is a formidable challenge for both nations and businesses,” said Paul Peng, Chairman of AUO. “With its forward-looking international strategy and commitment to sustainability, AUO has taken proactive steps to respond to this initiative. We are not only starting from within but are also driving the entire value chain to implement responsible production and circular economy practices. By harnessing the collective strength of our ecosystem, we aim to discover innovative solutions for reducing plastic waste and continue contributing to environmental sustainability."

Dedicated to sustainability in the industry, Amy Ku, Chief Sustainability Officer of AUO, shared the company's comprehensive approach to reducing plastic pollution. This approach begins with goal-setting, strategy formulation, organizational structure establishing, and conducting comprehensive audits of plastic flows within the system. The company has taken action under four key frameworks: using recycled materials, improving reduction methods, promoting reuse, and waste classification, all aimed at aligning with the Global Plastic Treaty’s goal to minimizing single-use plastics. Key achievements include establishing a supplier packaging database, which has led to a reduction of 65 tons in incoming packaging materials by cutting down on plastic films and partitions. For three consecutive years, AUO has achieved a packaging recycling rate of over 93%, with an overall plastic recycling rate reaching 96%. Additionally, AUO has addressed the significant amount of PET bottle waste in its workplace by introducing reusable cups and reducing the sale of bottled beverages, resulting in a decrease of 220,000 PET bottles in one year.

In its efforts to reduce plastic waste, AUO has expanded the 3R+1 strategy (Recycle, Reuse, Reduce, and Rethink) and continues to collaborate with diverse industry partners. For the inaugural Ecosystem Exhibition on Plastic Reduction, AUO joined forces with seven companies—Merck Group Taiwan, Sumika Technology, Chi Mei Corporation, BenQ Materials Corp, PackAge+, Uni-President, and Chieh An Environmental Engineering—to showcase how waste plastics can be recycled and reused. The innovative solutions presented include the recycling and reuse of plastic packaging, the development and application of recycled plastics, advanced waste plastic recycling technologies, and proposals for reducing plastic use in daily life. This event served as a platform for industry partners to exchange ideas and insights, sparking further innovative solutions.

Furthermore, AUO's commitment to circular recycling has resulted in the reproduction of 8.5 tons of recycled plastics over the past year, including transforming fab wastes into practical items such as umbrellas made from recycled PET bottles and garbage bags from waste plastics. This effort also extends to recycled paper tissues made from wastepaper and fertilizers made from pruned wood waste, embedding the "Reforming Value" into daily life. The design of the exhibition area embodied the spirit of plastic pollution reduction and waste minimization, using reusable display stands and replacing single-use printed materials with digital displays. Additionally, the event embraced AI trends, featuring AI-generated videos and artwork to engage attendees in reflecting on the importance of plastic reduction. Upcycled fashion made from recycled plastic waste was also showcased, embodying the spirit of “Plastic Reduction as a way of life and art” within AUO.

Expanding ecosystem influence and collaborating with suppliers are core values in AUO's sustainability commitment. At the conference, Tina Wu, Vice President of Supply Chain Management at AUO, shared the company's strategies for supply chain management and partnership collaboration. Wu highlighted how AUO is continuously enhancing management mechanisms across three key areas: risk management, environmental sustainability, and partnerships. In terms of risk management, AUO has introduced third-party audits to strengthen fairness and credibility and has incorporated ESG scorecard performance into supplier evaluations to drive greater focus on sustainability. For environmental sustainability, AUO collaborated with 66 key suppliers to reduce carbon emissions by nearly 200,000 tons in 2023 compared to the previous year. The company also participated in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) supply chain environmental information disclosure initiative, offering suppliers a global framework for self-assessing carbon reduction results and guiding continuous improvement. Additionally, AUO has demonstrated leadership to guide smaller supply chain partners in carbon reduction efforts. Through practical technical support and guidance, AUO has assisted 15 suppliers implement digital energy-saving and carbon management systems, establishing effective, long-term low-carbon transformation models.

Climate action is a complex challenge, requiring businesses to balance industrial growth with environmental sustainability. In addition to accelerating its steps toward net zero, AUO remains committed to its “Reforming Value with Ecosystem Partners” philosophy. The company continually engages and collaborates with a wide range of value chain partners to drive impactful initiatives in carbon reduction, plastic reduction, circular economy practices, and biodiversity conservation, all aimed at promising a sustainable and brighter future.

AUO hosted its fifth annual CSR Prosperity Conference, bringing together over 170 representatives from 70 supplier partners, driving the entire value chain to implement responsible production and circular economy practices, aiming to discover innovative solutions for reducing plastic waste

AUO's CSR Prosperity Conference 2024 invited field experts to share and exchange insights on the trends, practices, and actions toward achieving zero waste through resource recycling

AUO collaborates with diverse industry partners in the inaugural Ecosystem Exhibition on Plastic Reduction, showcasing how waste plastics can be recycled and reused. The innovative solutions presented include the recycling and reuse of plastic packaging, the development and application of recycled plastics, advanced waste plastic recycling technologies, and proposals for reducing plastic use in daily life

AUO's commitment to circular recycling has resulted in transforming fab wastes into practical items, and showcases upcycled fashion clothing made from recycled plastic waste, embodying the AUO spirit of “Plastic Reduction as a Way of Life and Art”