In the global push toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), achieving net zero is no longer just an environmental initiative—it has become a key strategy for shaping corporate competitiveness and global market positioning. As industries navigate the digital era, business leaders face the complex challenge of transitioning from traditional models to sustainable and digital transformation. From carbon footprint management in supply chains to internal energy optimization and advocacy for green fashion, net zero is not just a test of adaptability but an opportunity to create innovative business models.
In an exclusive interview with 《The Icons》, Kova Kao, Chairman of TRUEDAN, Andy Chen, Chief Strategy Officer of PROMATE Corp., and Ivan Wei, Chief Operating Officer of DAWUSHAN EGG FARM, shared insights on why the journey toward net zero is a long-term challenge but also a valuable opportunity. By leveraging digital technologies, fostering cross-industry collaborations, and staying committed to sustainability, businesses can drive growth while advancing societal and environmental progress.
As participants in the Taiwan Digital Enterprise Alliance (TDEA)’s Net Zero Academy, these leaders have successfully integrated TDEA’s resources and learning into their operations. Whether through precise carbon emissions management, supply chain integration, or industry-wide sustainable initiatives, their experiences serve as case studies for industries tackling net zero transformation. They also provided in-depth analysis of how digital transformation facilitates industrial change, highlighting the growing significance of green fashion and how net zero thinking can be embedded into corporate values to unlock new business opportunities.
TRUEDAN: Bridging Tradition and Sustainability Through Tea
As a market leader in Taiwan’s tea beverage industry, TRUEDAN faces not only fierce competition but also the challenge of integrating sustainability into its supply chain and operations. Chairman Kova Kao acknowledges that carbon emissions in the tea industry primarily stem from raw material sourcing, such as tea leaves and milk production, as well as energy consumption during processing and transportation:
“These factors place pressure on the environment, making it clear that net zero cannot be achieved by brands alone—it requires collaboration across the supply chain and support from the government.”
Understanding that net zero transformation demands fundamental supply chain restructuring, TRUEDAN prioritizes partnerships with suppliers who adhere to sustainable production standards. The company ensures that every cup of tea—from sourcing to the final product—minimizes carbon emissions. Additionally, it actively promotes government-led initiatives, such as reducing plastic use and encouraging customers to bring reusable cups. “While these measures increase costs, they align with our brand values and raise consumer awareness of sustainability.”
Digital transformation has also been a breakthrough for TRUEDAN. Through TDEA’s Net Zero Academy, Kao gained insights into digital tools and industry best practices, leading to a significant upgrade in operational efficiency. “Participating in TDEA helped us realize that digitalization not only improves audit efficiency and data accuracy but also reduces paper waste.” The company has since implemented paperless auditing and digital management systems, greatly reducing its reliance on natural resources.
With TDEA’s support, Kao is more confident in TRUEDAN’s sustainability journey: “We aim to offer not just great tea but also make a tangible positive impact on society and the environment.” TRUEDAN’s approach showcases how sustainability can be integrated into the beverage industry and serves as a valuable reference for other companies.
PROMATE Corp.: Enabling Net Zero Innovation Through Technology
The electronics industry, known for its resource-intensive nature and high carbon emissions, faces the challenge of balancing product innovation with sustainability. Andy Chen, Chief Strategy Officer of PROMATE Corp., acknowledges that PROMATE SOLUTIONS, a subsidiary specializing in electronic manufacturing, operates with limited resources yet must navigate supply chain pressures:
“Many of our upstream suppliers are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that lack the resources and technical support to engage in carbon auditing or reduction initiatives.”
To address this challenge, Chen applied his learning from TDEA’s Net Zero Academy to develop a carbon auditing tool tailored for SMEs. This tool, first implemented internally, is now being extended to other industries. “Our goal is to provide an affordable and accessible solution, allowing more businesses to participate in sustainable transformation.” The tool not only streamlines carbon data collection and management but also integrates cloud-based analytics for real-time emissions monitoring and optimization.
This innovation has led to cross-industry collaborations. Chen revealed that PROMATE Corp. has partnered with various industries, including DAWUSHAN EGG FARM, to introduce digital energy monitoring and carbon auditing solutions. “For instance, we helped DAWUSHAN EGG FARM implement smart meters for energy monitoring and used our carbon auditing tool to optimize energy efficiency in their production facilities.” These collaborations have expanded the application of PROMATE’s solutions while offering new insights into internal technological advancements.
As a participant in TDEA’s Net Zero Academy, Chen emphasized the role of TDEA in facilitating resource-sharing and knowledge exchange: “TDEA connected us with experts across industries and inspired the development of our carbon auditing tool.” By staying informed on the latest sustainability trends and practical applications, PROMATE Corp. has strengthened its market competitiveness.”Achieving net zero is a long-term journey, but one worth pursuing.” Chen believes that by leveraging digital technology, companies can not only meet sustainability goals but also unlock greater market potential. He hopes that PROMATE Corp.’s efforts will serve as an industry benchmark, encouraging more businesses to embark on the path toward net zero.
DAWUSHAN EGG FARM: Redefining Sustainability in Livestock Farming
For the livestock industry, net zero transformation presents unique challenges. Ivan Wei, COO of DAWUSHAN EGG FARM, acknowledges the industry’s inherent limitations: “Our biggest challenge is how to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining animal health and production efficiency.” For example, essential feed ingredients such as corn and soybeans are sourced from the US and Europe, and long-distance transportation significantly contributes to carbon emissions—an issue beyond the control of local farms.
To address these challenges, DAWUSHAN EGG FARM has implemented a range of innovative measures. First, it has adopted recyclable packaging materials, replacing conventional plastic with FSC-certified eco-friendly alternatives. Second, it focuses on precision nutrition, optimizing feed formulas to ensure maximum output with minimal resource consumption. “This is a long-term process, but every small step helps reduce our carbon footprint.”
Additionally, DAWUSHAN EGG FARM has embraced digital solutions to enhance energy management and production efficiency. By integrating smart meters, the company can monitor energy consumption in real time and identify inefficiencies. “With data-driven monitoring, we can optimize energy usage and minimize waste.” Moreover, the farm has collaborated with AI technology firms to enhance production forecasting, achieving 96% accuracy in supply planning—significantly improving resource allocation and sustainability.”Net zero is not just an environmental necessity; it is a key strategy for staying competitive.” Wei believes that through data-driven solutions and industry collaboration, DAWUSHAN EGG FARM is redefining the possibilities of sustainable livestock farming. He hopes that more industry players will join the net zero movement to drive Taiwan’s agricultural sector toward a more sustainable future.
Net Zero: A Path to Business Growth and Sustainability
Net zero has evolved from an environmental initiative into a driving force for global industry transformation and lifestyle innovation. On the path to a sustainable future, TDEA plays a crucial role in providing business leaders with opportunities for in-depth learning, cross-industry collaboration, and resource integration. Through its Net Zero Academy, entrepreneurs from various industries are pioneering innovative approaches to accelerate the transition toward net zero.
Kova Kao, Chairman of TRUEDAN, emphasizes that achieving net zero requires not only internal corporate reforms but also strong policy support. Government subsidies for eco-friendly packaging and plastic reduction initiatives could help businesses ease cost pressures while making net zero a more accessible goal for consumers. “Our aim is to ensure that every cup of tea embodies sustainability while encouraging more consumers to take part in this green revolution.” Kao believes net zero is not just an environmental commitment but a reflection of brand innovation and future competitiveness.
Andy Chen, Chief Strategy Officer of PROMATE Corp., approaches net zero transformation from within the company, integrating digital technology with sustainability reporting to attract young talent. He believes making sustainability engaging and meaningful is key to both internal cultural transformation and external market influence. “We want our employees to recognize the value of sustainability while using tangible results to convince more industries to join the net zero movement.” Through the cross-industry insights gained at TDEA, PROMATE Corp. successfully expanded its carbon auditing tool beyond the electronics sector, achieving a win-win for sustainability and business growth.
For Ivan Wei, COO of DAWUSHAN EGG FARM, education and advocacy are essential in advancing the net zero agenda. He notes that many SMEs still misunderstand ESG, but knowledge-sharing and cross-industry exchanges at TDEA are helping break down these barriers. By adopting smart meters and energy monitoring systems, DAWUSHAN EGG FARM has significantly reduced operational costs while making sustainability a practical reality. “Net zero transformation requires attention to every detail, and by leveraging innovation and data, we can drive industry progress while delivering long-term benefits to both consumers and the environment.”
Looking ahead, as net zero principles become deeply embedded in corporate operations and everyday life, TDEA will continue serving as a bridge between businesses, knowledge, technology, and real-world application. The three business leaders unanimously agree:
“Net zero is not just an environmental goal—it is an exceptional opportunity for companies to unlock new business prospects and enhance global competitiveness.”
With the support of TDEA, they are leading their industries into a new era where net zero is the foundation and sustainability is the future. They look forward to more businesses joining the movement to create a future that balances environmental responsibility with economic value.
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