FEG Rallies Global Subsidiaries for Coastline Preservation: 2024 Beach Cleanups Remove Tons of Marine Debris

Addressing the critical global challenges of climate change and marine pollution, Far Eastern Group (FEG) continues to anchor its operations in its founding spirit of "Sincerity, Diligence, Thrift, and Prudence." In 2024, the Group leveraged its vast multi-industry network—spanning petrochemicals, textiles, finance, and retail—to mobilize employees, families, and local communities in a nationwide "Coastline Restoration Campaign." According to the latest sustainability data, FEG’s 2024 environmental initiatives delivered outstanding results in volunteer participation and waste removal, successfully embedding a culture of sustainability into the hearts of its stakeholders.

Strategic Environmental Education in Finance: Far Eastern International Bank (FEIB)

FEIB, led by Executive Vice President Lin Chien-chung, conducted its fourth large-scale cleanup at Da’an District’s Wenliao Fishing Port in Taichung in June 2024. Eighty-two employees volunteered to remove 383.3 kilograms of marine debris. Beyond physical labor, FEIB transformed the event into an immersive educational experience by inviting FNG Design to demonstrate the "Circular Van," an automated PET recycling station. This initiative allowed staff to witness the transformation of plastic waste into renewable resources firsthand, fostering a "reduction at the source" mindset. To further support these civic contributions, the bank provides paid volunteer leave for participating staff.

Innovation Meets Action: Far Eastern New Century (FENC)

As a global leader in the polyester industry and a pioneer in Ocean Recycled PET (rPET) technology, FENC demonstrated its commitment beyond the factory floor. In 2024, FENC’s subsidiaries, including Oriental Petrochemical (Taiwan) (Photo Above: FENC 2024 Sustainability Report) and the Guanyin Chemical Fiber Plant, organized coastal cleanups. This environmental stewardship extended internationally, with FENC’s sites in Vietnam and Japan launching local community cleaning programs, reflecting the Group’s accountability as a global corporate citizen.

Retail Leadership in Environmental Hygiene: Far Eastern Department Stores & FE SOGO

Far Eastern Department Stores (FEDS): In 2024, eight FEDS branches across Taiwan organized 11 beach cleanups, deploying 190 personnel for over 1,000 service hours. Notably, the Mega City Banqiao branch collaborated with the New Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau to remove 2,734 kilograms of waste and 959 kilograms of recyclables.
Far Eastern SOGO: The FE SOGO Volunteer Club has adopted New Taipei’s Dingliao Beach as a dedicated site for long-term restoration. Between 2017 and 2024, SOGO conducted 17 cleanups, investing 1,708 hours to remove nearly three metric tons of debris. The club utilizes quantitative tracking to record waste categories, facilitating more effective source-reduction strategies.

Cross-Sector Synergy: ACC, U-Ming Marine, and Beyond

Asia Cement Corporation (ACC) has taken ownership of environmental maintenance in Hualien by adopting a 43-hectare windbreak forest in Xincheng Township and assisting in the cleanup of the Shunan fishing grounds. Meanwhile; Employees of U-Ming Marine Transport (U-Ming) participated in the 2024 Wanli Emerald Bay cleanup despite heavy rain, and the Company educated its staff on the hazards of marine plastic to maritime ecosystems. (Photo: U-Ming Website)

Vision for the Future: "The Right Path Knows No Distance"

FEG Chairman Douglas Tong Hsu noted that in a complex global landscape, sustainability strategies must resonate with the pulse of the era. The 2024 cleanup efforts served as a vital opportunity to promote the "3R" philosophy (Recycle, Reuse, Reduce). Looking forward, Far Eastern Group remains committed to deep ESG governance, combining R&D in recycled technologies with large-scale social advocacy to prove that when the path is right, no distance is too far to travel for a greener future.