A breakthrough in core technology can often reshape a trillion-yuan industry. In 2025, the first prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award went to a project on green and smart manufacturing in the polyester fiber chain, marking a milestone for China's chemical fiber sector.
Technology and Industry Logic
Polyester fiber accounts for over 70% of China's chemical fiber output. The award-winning project, led by Tongkun Group and involving Donghua University and 10 other institutions, took over a decade to complete. It achieved breakthroughs in green manufacturing, smart manufacturing, and service-oriented manufacturing, including a direct PTA-PET low-carbon model, eco-friendly titanium catalysts, localized DCS control systems, and a flexible "multi-head multi-tail" polymerization platform.
This technology addresses three key issues: easing land competition between grain and cotton, preventing industry relocation by securing local manufacturing advantages, and supporting downstream energy efficiency and brand building.
Data and Impact
Public data shows the technology has been deployed in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Xinjiang, generating over 200 billion yuan in new sales, 10 billion yuan in profits and taxes, and $1.8 billion in exports. It has significantly reduced energy consumption and defect rates. The project produced 76 invention patents, 10 software copyrights, and 14 national/industry standards, with overall technology rated as world-leading. Tongkun Group was also named a national "zero-waste enterprise" and a smart manufacturing demonstration factory.
International Cooperation
The International Science and Technology Cooperation Award went to Prof. Elsa Reichmanis of Lehigh University, who has long promoted US-China exchanges and collaborated with Donghua University on fiber materials. This shows that China's textile innovation is globally embedded. From 2012 to 2020, 28 textile-related projects won national science awards, covering specialty fibers, smart equipment, and green dyeing.