The 2025 National Science and Technology Progress Award (First Prize) has been awarded to a textile chemical fiber project, marking a milestone for the industry. Tongkun Group, as the lead unit, partnered with Donghua University, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, and seven other institutions to win with the project 'Key Technologies for Green and Intelligent Manufacturing of the Polyester Fiber Industry Chain.' This is not just a technical achievement; it signifies that the world's largest chemical fiber category now has a fully independent, end-to-end solution covering raw materials, low-carbon production, and intelligent manufacturing.
Background
The first prize is rare in the textile sector. Between 2012 and 2020, only two out of 28 textile-related national awards were first prizes: one for automated dyeing (2014) and one for carbon fiber (2017). This win is the first for a general fiber (non-specialty) full-chain technology. The project covers three dimensions: green manufacturing, intelligent manufacturing, and service-oriented manufacturing. Specific technologies include a PTA-PET direct coupling low-carbon model, environmentally friendly titanium-based catalysts, full-process automation with domestic DCS control systems, and a 'multi-head multi-tail' series-parallel polymerization platform. These are not lab concepts; they have been deployed in industrial bases in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Xinjiang, applied in over 10 enterprises.
Industry Impact
Public data shows the project generated cumulative new sales revenue of over 200 billion yuan, profits and taxes exceeding 10 billion yuan, and export earnings of 1.8 billion US dollars. More importantly, energy consumption and defect rates have dropped significantly—meaning downstream buyers will benefit from more stable quality and lower costs. Tongkun Group was also selected as one of the first national 'zero-waste enterprise' models. With 76 authorized invention patents, 10 software copyrights, and 14 national/industry standards, the technology has been certified by an expert panel as internationally leading. This means domestic polyester fiber companies can now operate without foreign patent barriers, achieving full-chain autonomy under the 'dual carbon' goal.
For downstream brands and buyers, this breakthrough accelerates three trends:
- Increased supply of differentiated products—the modular platform supports small-batch, multi-variety customization.
- Lower barriers to green certification—the full lifecycle green standard makes it easier to source compliant low-carbon fabrics.
- Enhanced supply chain stability—indigenous technology reduces geopolitical risks and key equipment bottlenecks.