Innovative Partnerships Drive Sustainability at Circular Economy Forum 2025

On September 16, 2025, BenQ Materials hosted an impactful event titled "From Material Science to Mission: 2025 Cross-Industry Circular Economy Forum" at the Taiwan Textile Research Institute. This forum was a gathering of key players in the textile industry, including global brand Patagonia, the Taiwan Technical Textiles Association, Chung Hwa Pulp Corporation, and the Circular Taiwan Network. The focus of the event was to discuss the role of material innovation and cross-industry collaboration in achieving sustainable transformation in manufacturing.

Expanding Markets and Selecting Innovations

BenQ Materials has launched its performance textile brand, Xpore, aiming to expand from the electronics sector into the textile industry. One of the standout innovations, Xpore e2cycle, claims the title of being the world’s first recycled PET fabric made from LCD waste. This groundbreaking textile showcases how electronic waste can be effectively repurposed into high-performance, sustainable fabrics. This initiative epitomizes the potential for innovation in the textile sector, reflecting an integration of technology and environmental responsibility.

Dr. ZC Chen, the Chairman of BenQ Materials, opened the forum with a vital message about the need for enterprises to evolve from merely suppliers to co-creators of sustainable value. He emphasized the importance of not only upcycling materials but also enhancing their value throughout their lifecycle.

Patagonia's Commitment to Sustainability

A highlight of the forum was a keynote address by Matt Dwyer, Patagonia’s Vice President of Global Product Footprint. In his talk titled "Product Footprint A Balancing Act," Dwyer reviewed Patagonia’s decade-long journey to implement preferred materials—fibers, and raw materials that foster environmental and social sustainability. He announced that these responsible materials are now components of more than 95% of Patagonia's product line.

Dwyer also pointed out Patagonia's ambitious pledge to eliminate PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) by 2025, aiming to redefine the concept of a "Waste Economy" by transforming discarded materials, such as fishing nets into the NetPlus® nylon. Since 2018, the company has diverted over 6.2 million pounds of ocean-bound nets, showcasing a proactive approach to environmental stewardship.

Moreover, he highlighted Patagonia's adherence to Fair Trade initiatives, demonstrating improved employee satisfaction and increased consumer trust through transparency in operations, while progressing toward living wage goals for all employees.

Transformative Collaboration with Xpore

Dwyer outlined the rigorous but rewarding journey that led Patagonia to collaborate with Xpore. This partnership began when Xpore launched its PFAS-free and solvent-free material in 2020, quickly catching Patagonia’s attention. In 2023, Patagonia's audits examined numerous facets of Xpore’s operations, from worker welfare to safety standards. Xpore’s commitment to transparency and fair pay not only helped them pass the auditing process on the first attempt—an uncommon achievement in the textile industry—but also solidified a deeper trust between the two companies.

Today, Xpore and Patagonia have transcended the traditional client-supplier dynamic. They’ve become partners in problem-solving, with Xpore’s Ultra nanoporous film now featured in Patagonia’s M10® Waterproof Alpine Anorak, designed for extreme conditions and made entirely through PFAS-free processes. This partnership exemplifies a blend of technological excellence and sustainable practices, establishing a pioneering benchmark in textile innovation.

A Call for Sustainable Fabrication

The forum also featured insights from Dr. Cam Huang, Secretary-General of the Taiwan Technical Textiles Association, who urged industry leaders to prioritize sustainability as a core brand value. Chung Hwa Pulp Corporation's Chairman, Kirk Hwang, discussed the company’s journey toward responsible forestry and its goal of achieving 50% green energy self-sufficiency by 2030, further illustrating the commitment to circular manufacturing practices.

Charles Huang, Chairman of the Circular Taiwan Network, emphasized the role of cross-industry collaboration in tackling climate challenges, advocating for a shift from linear operational models to a more interconnected approach. The ultimate objective for all stakeholders present was to establish a global standard for "Sustainable Manufacturing in Taiwan," integrating practices across the ESG spectrum while promoting circular economy principles.

Conclusion: Pioneering for a Sustainable Future

BenQ Materials is leading the charge into a new era of sustainable manufacturing in Taiwan. By collaborating with Patagonia and other industry leaders, they are setting a standard for how material science aligns with a mission-driven approach, aiming for a collaborative leap toward overcoming environmental challenges. As these partnerships continue to evolve, they will serve as blueprints for sustainable transformation globally.