Taiwan's Social Innovation Shines at Tokyo's Sustainable Goods Expo

Taiwan's social enterprises made a remarkable debut at the Sustainable Goods Expo Tokyo (Summer) held at Tokyo Big Sight, capturing attention with their innovative products that promote social change and sustainability. The event, running from July 2 to July 4, 2025, was led by Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, featuring ten organizations committed to social innovation. A special exhibit area named 'Social Innovation - Taiwan Sustainable Selection Pavilion' was set up, showcasing a diverse range of products by Taiwan's esteemed social innovation organizations, which collectively support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On the opening day, distinguished guests, including representatives from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Japan and the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in Tokyo, were present, emphasizing the importance of the event and Taiwan's commitment to sustainable development.

Initiatives for a Sustainable Future

For the past eight years, the Ministry of Economic Affairs has advocated for social innovation policies resulting in significant impacts, generating approximately 38.5 billion yen in purchases linked to social innovation. This achievement has garnered high praise as a practical example of sustainable future initiatives. Products reflecting the SDGs have gained strong market support, especially those contributing to SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production, which resonates with the rising trend of ethical consumption in Japan, offering consumers new options.

Diverse Social Solutions Through Circular Economy

According to Mr. Huang Cheng-Chung, General Manager at KPMG's Sustainability Consulting, this exhibition is a prime opportunity to globally demonstrate the diversity and vitality of Taiwan's social innovation. The ten exhibiting companies operate under business models revolving around the circular economy and SDGs strategies, categorizing their products into three distinctive groups:

1. Upcycled Everyday Products from Agricultural Waste – Examples include Renouvo (dishes from sugarcane byproducts) and picupi (detergents made from clam shells).

2. Products Developed from Recycled Resources – This category features Deya (bags made from marine waste and regenerated fibers), Mijily (eco-shoes made from PET bottles), YOGASANA (functional clothing produced using recycled yarn), and Youlong (reusing coffee grounds).

3. Regional Revitalization and Agricultural Innovation – This includes TAIWAN DYE (natural dye development from areca nuts), Yuanzhi Taste (full utilization of kumquat), and Marubun (processing techniques that utilize fish entirely) among others.

All ten companies showcase a combination of relevance to SDGs and market potential, marking a significant first step towards their expansion into the Japanese market and establishing international partnerships.

Taiwan-Japan Cooperation Towards a Sustainable Future

During the opening ceremony of the Taiwan Sustainable Goods Expo, the President of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in Tokyo, Mr. Hsu Wen-Tsung, expressed the significance of witnessing Taiwanese social innovation taking the international stage. This not only highlights Japan's keen interest in Taiwan's sustainable progress but also symbolizes a deepening relationship between Taiwan and Japan in addressing sustainability challenges. Both nations are poised to engage more closely in their pursuit of a better future.

Be.Globo: A Catalyst for International Trade

Founded in 2019, Be.Globo has rapidly evolved into a comprehensive marketing firm skilled in international trade, advertising, consulting, and exhibition services. The company excels in executing projects suited for overseas markets and government agencies, reinforcing their role in promoting Taiwanese innovation on a global scale.