Shanhua Sugar Refinery Commence Operations on December 23　Advancing Net-Zero Transition through Green Power and Carbon Circularity

Taiwan Sugar Corporation (TSC) held the opening ceremony for the 114/115 sugar production season at its Shanhua Sugar Refinery this morning (23rd) at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony was presided over by TSC Chairman Ming Chang Wu, who led TSC employees and distinguished guests in observing the traditional "Budong" ritual (which means "the start of the sugar production season").

Following custom, incense was lit and prayers were offered for safety and smooth operations, after which sugarcane tied with auspicious red blessing cords was ceremonially cast into the cane-crushing area—symbolizing the official commencement of sugar production for the season and conveying wishes for personnel safety, stable equipment operation, and the successful achievement of this year's production targets.

TSC noted that the Shanhua Sugar Refinery, with a history spanning 121 years, has commenced its sugar-making season on schedule year after year, remaining steadfast for more than a century. Beyond symbolizing a bountiful harvest, the refinery has become a source of pride for local residents and a landmark of industrial heritage and cultural tourism in Shanhua. The current sugar production season officially begins today and will run through March 13, 2026, with a total operating period of 81 days. During this season, the refinery is expected to process approximately 187,600 metric tons of sugarcane, producing around 17,000 metric tons of bulk-packaged and consumer-packaged Taiwan golden sugar, as well as 15 metric tons of Taisugar.

TSC noted that the Shanhua Sugar Refinery uses sugarcane sourced from eco-friendly farming practices and free from contamination to produce high-quality sugar products. The refinery has obtained multiple certifications, including ISO 9001, ISO 22000, Good Hygiene Practices (GHP), the Traceable Agricultural Products (TAP) certification, and Halal certification. Notably, Taiwan golden sugar is the first small-packaged sugar product in Taiwan to receive the TAP label, underscoring TSC's strong commitment to food safety and full product traceability.

TSC further stated that in recent years it has actively advanced circular sugar production and its net-zero transition. In 2023, the Shanhua Sugar Refinery partnered with the National Atomic Research Institute to introduce carbon capture technology, capturing carbon dioxide from the refinery’s boiler flue gas and converting it into baking soda for use in environmentally friendly cleaning products—putting into practice the circular-economy principle of "turning carbon waste into resources."

In July this year, the combined heat and power (CHP) system of the refinery's bagasse-fired boiler was awarded a renewable energy (biomass) electricity certificate, injecting new renewable energy momentum into the century-old sugar-making operation. Through a dual-track transition integrating "green power" and "carbon circularity," TSC is taking concrete actions to accelerate the domestic sugar industry's progress toward sustainable net-zero goals.

The Shanhua Sugar Refinery is also home to the "Shanhua Sugar Cultural Park," which features a café, specialty dining options, the memorial hall of Shen Guangwen—the pioneer of classical Taiwanese literature—and the Southern Pavilion (Winding Stream Party). TSC warmly invites the public to visit during the sugar production season to experience the aroma of sugar, immerse themselves in the nostalgic atmosphere of a century-old refinery, and appreciate the vibrant interplay of tradition and modernity that reflects the enduring vitality of Taiwan's sugar industry.