Transformation of a Century-Old Enterprise in the Digital Wave: How YFY Expands into E-Paper and Green Energy
Judy Wu, Manager of the ESG Office at Yuen Foong Yu Group also known as YFY Inc. was invited to deliver to deliver a guest lecture in the College of Management course “Corporate Sustainability Disclosure and Stakeholder Engagement.” Drawing on the company’s development history, she provided an in-depth analysis of how YFY has successfully transformed from a traditional paper manufacturing company into a model of diversified and sustainable business development.
Wu noted that YFY’s founder had long recognized the impact of digitalization on the demand for paper, and therefore chose to proactively drive transformation and corporate innovation. This led the company to expand into emerging fields such as e-books and e-paper (E Ink). She emphasised that rather than passively facing industry decline, companies should actively seek new opportunities to create long-term value.
Addressing the paper industry, Wu also clarified common misconceptions regarding its environmental impact. She explained that the raw materials used in papermaking are largely wood residues left over from timber processing, while higher-value timber is used for construction and furniture manufacturing. YFY has redefined production “waste” as reusable resources instead of “garbage,” improving resource efficiency and promoting the principles of a circular economy. She shared practical examples of environmental innovation at YFY. For instance, during wastewater treatment, the company discovered that anaerobic bacteria could generate biogas, which was then developed into an energy source. This innovation successfully transformed a water resource recovery center into a green energy generation site, demonstrating the hidden business potential within environmental challenges.
In terms of social responsibility, YFY has long collaborated with the Hsin-Yi Foundation to implement after-school tutoring programs in rural areas such as Hualien and Taitung for over a decade. The company also participates in ecological restoration projects, putting the concept of “shared social good” into practice. Wu emphasized that ESG is not limited to large corporations with abundant resources—everyone can contribute to sustainability within their own capacity.
Regarding business management and decision-making, Wu further pointed out that most traditional industries in Taiwan are family-owned enterprises, where decision-making tends to prioritise long-term development and sustainability. This stands in contrast to startups that are often driven by short-term performance or lack sufficient market validation. In terms of organizational transformation and communication, she suggested that understanding operations at the grassroots level is essential for effectively promoting cross-departmental collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
On sustainable investment and internal communication, Wu stated that companies should focus on developing projects with genuine environmental and social value. When a project itself is compelling, it will naturally gain support from financial departments without the need for excessive emphasis. She believes that the key to advancing sustainability in traditional industries lies in returning to the fundamentals, rather than being constrained by various frameworks and standards. Only by addressing the root of problems can truly impactful solutions be found.
Following the session, graduate student Liu-Ying Kao from the Institute of Management shared that companies continuously strive to balance innovation and sustainability. If products can be integrated into daily life, their impact can create greater possibilities for both businesses and the environment.