BenQ Materials joins hands with Far East New and Family Photo to demonstrate the results of transforming panel waste into corporate uniforms

Xpore, an environmentally friendly functional fabric brand under BenQ Materials (8215), has joined hands with Far East New (1402) and FamilyMart to convert electronic waste recycled from display panels into high-performance corporate uniforms. After three years of cooperation, the three parties have further expanded large-scale mass production this year, targeting the group uniform market for large enterprises such as finance, technology, aviation, and public utilities.

This year's Taipei Textile Show (TITAS) will be held from October 6th to 8th. BenQ Materials today announced the results of the three-party cooperation at a pre-show preview press conference jointly organized by Far East New and FamilyMart. BenQ Materials pointed out that the company recycles up to 3,000 tons of high-purity optical-grade polyester (PET) waste from display panels every year, re-granulates it through patented e2cycle technology, and further transforms it into recycled functional yarns and waterproof and breathable films, ultimately making corporate uniforms with waterproof, breathable and durable properties.

BenQ Materials said that this cooperation will start technical verification in 2024. It first released e2cycle technology that year and established a dual-track technology path for electronic waste granulation to be converted into recycled yarn and patented film materials. In 2025, 100% single-material laminated fabrics will be further introduced into group uniforms of index enterprises such as AU Optronics to complete end customer verification.

With the gradual completion of technology and customer verification, the three parties have entered the stage of large-scale mass production this year, expanding the annual electronic waste recycling scale of 3,000 tons. Combined with the mass production capacity of Xpore functional yarn and patented membrane materials, Family Photo will assist in promoting the product to the group clothing market of large enterprises such as finance, technology, aviation and public utilities, and expand the application of recycled materials in the commercial apparel field.

In terms of technical division of labor, BenQ Materials is responsible for the recycling, granulation and development of patented functional films of high-purity optical grade PET waste. Far East New provides drawing technology, and FamilyMart combines garment processes to make recycled materials into terminal apparel. Among them, BenQ Materials uses polymer material technology to convert recycled PET into perfluorochemical-free (PFC-free) nanoporous membranes, which provide waterproof, moisture-permeable and weather-resistant protection functions.

In addition, BenQ Materials uses environmentally friendly solvent-free lamination technology to integrate recycled fabrics and functional membrane materials into 100% single polyester (PET) fabric, so that the surface fabric, film and base fabric can all be recycled at the same level, reducing recycling restrictions caused by mixing different materials. According to the life cycle assessment (LCA) data provided by the company, the relevant solution can reduce carbon emissions by 57% and has the traceability history of recycled materials according to the Global Recycling Standard (GRS).

Chen Jianzhi, Chairman of BenQ Materials, said that the true value of material recycling lies in in-depth co-creation and large-scale implementation across industries. Xpore has integrated the group's resources, mastered key waste recycling and patented functional film research and development, combined with Far East's new drawing technology and Family Portrait garment technology, to prove that high-tech industrial waste can be transformed into high-performance sustainable uniforms, and continues to expand the application of circular materials.