Polyester Fiber Full Industry Chain Technology Wins Top Award, Adding Key Piece to Chemical Fiber Power Path

The 2025 National Science and Technology Awards have brought two major honors to the textile chemical fiber sector: a First Prize in the National Science and Technology Progress Award for the polyester fiber industry chain project led by Tongkun Group, and the International Science and Technology Cooperation Award for a Donghua University international partner. This dual recognition highlights the industry's shift from scale-driven to technology-driven growth.

Background

The National Science and Technology Progress Award First Prize is among the most prestigious. Between 2012 and 2020, only 28 textile-related projects received national awards, with First Prizes being rare. Previous winners included carbon fiber and intelligent dyeing, but this is the first time a full polyester fiber chain project has won. China produces 70% of the world's chemical fibers, with polyester fiber leading all categories. This award signals that the industry has built an independent and controllable technology system for general fibers.

The project, led by Donghua University researcher Wang Huaping, involved Tongkun Group, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, and seven other entities. After over a decade of research, three core technological breakthroughs were achieved: green manufacturing (direct PTA-PET coupling and titanium-based catalysts), intelligent manufacturing (domestic DCS control systems and integrated quality management), and service-oriented manufacturing (multi-head polymerization platforms for flexible customization). The project has generated 76 invention patents, 10 software copyrights, and 14 national/industry standards.

Industry Impact

Economic benefits are substantial. 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 export earnings. This results from significant reductions in energy consumption and defect rates. For buyers, this means more stable quality, lower carbon footprints, and greater customization flexibility.

The International Science and Technology Cooperation Award went to Elsa Reichmanis, a US National Academy of Engineering member who collaborated with Donghua University on talent cultivation and international conferences, boosting China's fiber science global influence. This reflects China's shift from technology import to active participation in global innovation networks.

Practical Recommendations

For Buyers - Prioritize suppliers using green and intelligent technologies: Products from project adopters offer advantages in energy efficiency and quality control, reducing procurement risks. - Focus on customization capabilities: Service-oriented manufacturing supports small batches and diverse orders, ideal for fast fashion and high-end brands. - Leverage carbon footprint data: The project's green standards can serve as supplier evaluation criteria, helping companies address international carbon tariff challenges.

For Foreign Trade Companies - Use technology credentials to enhance bargaining power: Domestic polyester fiber technology is now globally leading. Emphasize independent intellectual property and green processes in exports to build customer trust. - Target high-value markets: Differentiated polyester products (e.g., functional fibers) command higher premiums in Europe and the US. Increase promotion efforts. - Mitigate supply chain relocation risks: The independent technology system stabilizes the domestic industrial base. Foreign trade firms should prioritize partnerships with domestic tech leaders to ensure supply chain security.