Regarding everyone's concerns about whether we have fulfilled our corporate social responsibility in water purification and environmental protection, we approach this issue with the utmost seriousness and offer the following explanation:
1. After acquiring the current factory site in Taoyuan, our primary and top priority was to ensure the highest level of environmental protection. We established a comprehensive wastewater treatment system, employing 21 purification processes to create "human-grade" water . Thanks to the efforts of our experts and colleagues, in February 2022, we became the first pet food factory in Taiwan to simultaneously obtain both ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) certifications for quality and environmental management . This certification is an affirmation of our processes and a testament to the results of our hard work.
2. Why did the Taoyuan Environmental Protection Bureau issue a penalty notice to us in November 2024? For over 1,000 days, the factory has had detailed daily water testing reports. We reviewed all relevant data, and the factory's systematic wastewater has a COD purification rate of over 95%, even reaching zero detection. The water quality is close to the standard for domestic drinking water. Even on October 4, 2024, the date of the incident, the water quality was above the standard. There should be no pollution problem . The relevant authorities imposed a fine simply because they determined someone was washing the tanks. We have appealed this decision to the Ministry of Environment.
3. The Taoyuan factory is surrounded by a complex network of underground drainage ditches. After discussions with experts, the foaming phenomenon is likely related to the interaction between groundwater (due to a recent earthquake in the area) and the topography of the drainage ditches. Therefore, we have filed an appeal against the penalty in accordance with the law, arguing that the "causal relationship of the penalty is weak," and await clarification.
4. After the incident, we carefully reviewed the process. In addition to ensuring that there were no omissions in the system, we also considered whether there were individual employees who did not follow the SOP. Therefore, we added an "off-site inspection team" to the audit control and mistake-proof mechanism. The team patrols the surrounding 3-kilometer area every day and reports any abnormalities in a timely manner.
5. The factory's wastewater has been transformed into an ecological fishpond, where fish swim freely, proving the water quality is safe. Since 2023, the factory has been open to the public for tours, allowing them to witness the production process and water treatment system. We also publicly disclose daily COD and pH levels; transparency reflects our honesty with society. "Environmental protection is not just a slogan, but a daily practice." We will not betray the public's trust and will continue to uphold our own standards, exceeding regulations, to protect the environment and consumers.
The first in Taiwan to simultaneously obtain A pet food factory with dual ISO 22000 (food safety management) and ISO 14001 (environmental management) quality and environmental management certifications.
A complete "human-grade" wastewater treatment system, employing 21 purification processes, has been developed into an ecological fishpond.
Since 2023, the factory has been open to the public for tours, allowing them to witness the production process and water treatment system, hoping to demonstrate our commitment to environmental protection through action.