Driving a Green Energy Revolution in the Culinary Industry through the Circular Economy: Tai Da Table Restaurant's Path of Sustainable Innovation

Stone Tseng, Tai Da Table Restaurant Founder and Chairman

In today's world—where global environmental protection and sustainable development are increasingly in the spotlight—balancing technological innovation with the effective utilization of resources has become a key driver of industrial transformation. Taiwanese entrepreneur Stone Tseng, founder and chairman of Tai Da Table Restaurant, has developed a deep understanding of the circular economy and is committed to its genuine implementation.

"A truly competitive enterprise must establish a complete circular economy system," Tseng asserts. "Currently, few companies can control every stage of a product's lifecycle—from design and production to use and eventual recycling. This integrated approach is essential for sustainable development. Our goal is to create a system that combines recycling with manufacturing so that every product, at the end of its life, can be efficiently recovered and repurposed. This is the very essence of the circular economy."

Tseng believes that by embedding the principles of the circular economy in every aspect—from product design and manufacturing to usage and recycling across the entire supply chain—businesses can strike a critical balance between environmental stewardship and profitability, thus securing a lasting competitive edge in a fiercely contested market.

Cross-Sector Integration: Innovating at the Intersection of Taiwanese Cuisine and Green Energy Technology

Taiwanese cuisine, renowned for its unique cultural heritage and rich history, still faces challenges in traditional supply chains—particularly regarding hygiene management and quality control.

"I recall that just three to four years ago, when the concept of ESG was just beginning to take hold in Taiwan, Tai Da Table Restaurant was already leading the way as the nation's first restaurant to receive carbon neutrality certification. Back in 2018, when I first proposed that the food industry adopt a circular economy, many thought I was a fool," Tseng recalls with a touch of humor.

While Taiwanese cuisine has long been celebrated for its distinctive flavors and multicultural fusion, integrating the culinary industry with sustainable development has become an urgent need. Tseng advocates for a circular economy model that redefines the entire Taiwanese food supply chain—from raw material production and processing to packaging and final consumption—integrating each stage into a complete cyclic system that maximizes resource reuse and environmental benefits.

By implementing this model, Tai Da Table Restaurant rigorously manages every step—from the cultivation of ingredients and manufacturing to sales—and ensures resource reuse and data-driven monitoring throughout. "We aim to imbue every dish, from its raw components to the finished product, with environmental, low‑carbon, and even carbon‑neutral value. This not only enhances product value but also allows consumers to witness the entire circular economy in action as they enjoy our cuisine," explains Tseng.

Through digitized management and environmental certifications, every dish's production process will soon be accompanied by comprehensive data records—from farmers' fields to factory processing and restaurant sales—backed by traceable environmental data. "Only by supporting each dish with concrete environmental data can Taiwanese cuisine firmly establish itself on the international stage and showcase our innovation and prowess in the circular economy," Tseng adds.

"Circular economy" is not merely a trendy buzzword; it is a business model emphasizing efficient resource utilization and regeneration at every stage—from raw material procurement to product recycling.

"When we can connect farmers, manufacturers, restaurateurs, and research institutions into a complete circular economy ecosystem, Taiwanese cuisine will evolve from a local flavor into a globally shared green asset," Tseng notes. The realization of the circular economy relies on the close collaboration between academia, government, and industry. Only through such integrated efforts can breakthroughs be made in technology development, product certification, and brand promotion—laying the foundation for a comprehensive sustainable development system.

Tai Da Table Restaurant proudly presents the "Tree-Planting & Culinary Delight Feast," an exquisite fine dining experience that harmoniously blends biodiversity, gastronomy, and sustainability. True to its core philosophy—"planting a tree for every table served"—each dining experience directly contributes to global reforestation, allowing guests to indulge in culinary excellence while supporting environmental sustainability.
The accompanying image features Stone Tseng with Vice President Bi-khim (Louise) Hsiao.

Investing in Energy Innovation Technologies

A fully integrated green cycle begins at the very source—cultivating the ingredients—and extends to using green energy in procuring these "green ingredients." Tseng has taken a keen interest in research and development within the realm of portable solar panels.

"How can we increase the conversion rate of our solar panels by more than 40% compared to conventional models?" he asks. "This challenge isn't just about technological innovation—it also involves cost control across the entire supply chain and effective resource recycling."

Tseng explains that reducing engineering costs during product development is crucial for achieving technological breakthroughs. By redesigning the product structure and significantly reducing the use of traditional materials such as aluminum edging, frames, and glass, overall production costs are lowered. This strategy not only boosts conversion efficiency but also shortens the recycling cycle, thereby bringing the circular economy model closer to fruition.

"When we can simultaneously reduce costs and improve conversion rates, the product recycling cycle will be significantly shortened. This is the best demonstration of our commitment to responsible production and consumption," Tseng explains.

Under this model, Tseng has signed recycling contracts with multiple partners and plans to establish a new factory in Taoyuan—integrating manufacturing with recycling to achieve an operational model characterized by zero waste and low carbon emissions.

Highlighting innovative opportunities in resource recycling, Tseng recounts how he acquired and reprocessed an asset that was about to be phased out, significantly enhancing its conversion efficiency and increasing its market value. "Workers are not merely involved in production; they are transforming materials destined for disposal into valuable assets. This is the tangible benefit of the circular economy, and it makes our products more competitive in the market," he explains.

This model not only complies with international ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards but also enjoys robust governmental policy support. Tseng is convinced that only by fully implementing the circular economy can enterprises truly embrace responsible production and consumption, ultimately achieving sustainable development.

Beyond continuous innovation in solar panel technology, Tseng is committed to integrating green energy with Taiwan's culinary industry. He has established a dedicated culinary R&D facility that uses self-generated green electricity to power both the factory and employee dining services, with Tai Da Table Restaurant as the core brand—driving both industrial upgrading and international expansion.

Tai Da Table Restaurant was honored in 2023 with the "Green Sustainability Category" at the 5th Golden Ship Award, organized by the Chinese National Federation of Commerce. Representing the award-winning enterprise, Stone Tseng visited the Presidential Office for a commemorative photo with then-President Tsai Ing-wen.

Synergistic Collaboration Among Academia, Government, and Industry: Building an Integrated Circular Economy System

Tai Da Table Restaurant not only embodies the tradition and innovation of Taiwanese cuisine but also symbolizes the spirit of resource sharing and regeneration inherent in the circular economy model.

"The name Tai Da Table Restaurant embodies the idea of deer in a natural ecosystem sharing premium resources. It symbolizes that every link in our circular economy system can maximize resource utilization and regeneration. This model not only reduces production costs but also helps establish a unique ‘green' brand image on the international stage," Tseng explains.

Tseng reveals that as the circular economy model deepens, Tai Da Table Restaurant will become a key gateway for the internationalization of Taiwanese cuisine. He plans to set up Tai Da Table Restaurant centers at leading global universities and international academic exchange hubs, thereby promoting Taiwanese culinary culture and the green energy circular economy model worldwide.

He emphasizes that the circular economy cannot be realized without close cooperation among academia, government agencies, and industry. "Only through integrated resources can we achieve breakthroughs in technology development, product certification, and brand promotion—building a comprehensive system for sustainable development," Tseng notes.

In collaborations with renowned domestic university professors, Tseng has stressed the importance of digitized management and tangible results. Every professor must submit detailed final reports and concrete data when applying for government projects, serving as a crucial bridge between businesses and government. He cites his work with Professor Ho of National Taiwan University of Science and Technology on a local revitalization project with the Water Resources Agency—an initiative that improved cultivation techniques for Pinglin farmers, raised Feicui Reservoir's water quality by 30%, and significantly reduced agricultural carbon emissions. These data serve as vivid proof of the circular economy's practical benefits.

As international environmental regulations tighten, the government has provided substantial policy support for businesses embracing the circular economy. Tseng stresses that while companies pursue technological innovation and product upgrades, they must rigorously adhere to environmental laws to ensure that every production stage does not harm the environment. "Our circular economy model not only ensures comprehensive management of a product's lifecycle but also, under strict government oversight, guarantees that every stage meets international environmental standards. This is critically important for long-term corporate development and global competitiveness," he states.

The synergistic collaboration among government, academia, and industry represents the optimal formula for advancing the circular economy and offers robust support for industrial upgrading.

Tai Da Table Restaurant has developed an innovative dish—"Whitebait Seaweed Congee"—with a recipe provided by the head of the Institute of Food Science and Technology, NTU. Centered on the concept of natural calcium supplementation, the dish is produced entirely through eco-friendly methods utilizing green energy technologies. Following its market launch, a portion of the profits will be donated to marine conservation experts to support ocean ecosystem protection efforts. The accompanying image features Stone Tseng with Professor Chou Lian-Siang, a leading expert in cetacean research in Taiwan.

The "Made in Taiwan" Brand Commitment

In today's increasingly competitive global market, international certification has become a crucial gateway for companies to enter the global arena. Tseng reveals that his company will progressively collaborate with third-party certification bodies and organizations to secure food safety certifications for catering services and a circular economy-compliant supply chain certification. These certifications not only guarantee product quality but also serve as powerful endorsements of the company's commitment to the circular economy and responsible production and consumption.

Furthermore, the solar panel manufacturing base in Taoyuan will host a launch event following the production of its first batch—showcasing Taiwan's green energy technology and circular economy achievements. "When our first solar panel receives international certification and is officially introduced to the market, it will signify a major breakthrough for Taiwan in green energy and the circular economy, and it will mark the international competitiveness of the ‘Made in Taiwan' brand," Tseng explains.

As the circular economy model gains wider adoption, Tseng envisions Tai Da Table Restaurant expanding its influence as a benchmark for the internationalization of Taiwanese cuisine and green energy industries. "By establishing a comprehensive green cyclic management system based on the circular economy, we not only guarantee product quality but also build a distinct green brand image in the international market. This will attract more international partners and investors to jointly promote global environmental protection and sustainable development," he adds.

Tseng cites a recent success—a new innovative dish, "Whitebait Fish and Seaweed Congee," developed at Tai Da Table Restaurant. The recipe, provided by the head of the Department of Food Science at National Taiwan University, centers on natural calcium supplementation and is produced entirely through environmentally friendly methods powered by green energy technology. Once the product is launched, a portion of the profits will be donated to experts in the field to support marine ecosystem conservation.

Through such initiatives, Tseng hopes to ignite innovative momentum in the Taiwanese culinary industry and drive its transformation toward a greener, low‑carbon, and sustainable future. "We aim for Tai Da Table Restaurant to showcase the strength of Taiwanese enterprises in the circular economy and green energy technology to the world, while conveying our firm belief in culinary culture, environmental responsibility, and a shared future," he concludes.

From Blueprint to Reality: The Path of the Circular Economy

The journey from initial uncertainty to the full realization of the circular economy model is one fraught with challenges yet brimming with hope. Tseng is convinced that only through technological innovation, resource reuse, and cross-sector integration can a win‑win balance between environmental protection and economic efficiency be achieved—paving the way for a sustainable development miracle for Taiwan on the global stage.

"We must fully implement the principles of the circular economy at every stage to ensure that resources in production, consumption, and recycling are maximized. The future of Taiwan will undoubtedly emerge as a new, green, and sharing society—attracting more international talent and investment, and ultimately realizing true sustainable development."

By adopting the circular economy model, companies can pursue technological innovations and market breakthroughs while upholding their environmental and social responsibilities—achieving dual benefits in cost and efficiency, and laying the practical foundation for Taiwan's green energy revolution and industrial transformation.

Looking forward, Tai Da Table Restaurant will not only symbolize culinary excellence but also represent green energy and cultural heritage under Taiwan's circular economy model. From the establishment of a new factory in Taoyuan and close cooperation with international certification bodies to the robust support of academic institutions, government agencies, and industry, Tseng is confident that these efforts will steer Taiwan on a new path—from blueprint to reality, and from isolated technology to a fully integrated, sustainable supply chain.

"Every bit of our effort and investment is not solely for immediate profit, but to make Taiwan's environment better—ensuring that every product stands as a testament to the circular economy. Only by doing so can Taiwan truly realize the beautiful vision of sharing green wealth in the future."

Tseng remains confident that Taiwan's green energy and culinary industries, centered on the circular economy, will usher in a vibrant and innovative new era. He calls on more individuals and companies dedicated to sustainable development to join the movement and help drive Taiwan—and the world—toward a greener transformation.

"In the future, it won't just be eco-friendly products that change the world; it will be every person and every company, operating within a circular economy model, collectively creating a beautiful tomorrow characterized by shared resources and environmental regeneration."

With continuous technological progress and the growing maturity of the circular economy model, Taiwan is poised to become a global exemplar of sustainable development and the green energy revolution. Tai Da Table Restaurant stands as a symbol of this transformative movement, leading Taiwan's culinary and green energy sectors toward a brighter, more dynamic future.

Reflecting on the philosophy behind his endeavors, Tseng shares:"The call of the deer, as the name implies, refers to the deer's cry. When it drinks clean water and eats fresh grass, it calls out—not merely to express joy, but to summon its companions to share in the abundance. Thus, the call of the deer symbolizes the beauty of sharing. If we can fully appreciate the joy of sharing and understand its value, life will be richer and happier."

In line with Tseng's vision, every effort is dedicated to transforming Taiwan into an environmentally friendly, green, and sharing nation—where the circular economy is the best path to achieving that goal.