On July 8, the 2025 National Science and Technology Progress Award (First Prize) was awarded to a joint project led by Tongkun Group and Donghua University, focusing on green and intelligent manufacturing of the polyester fiber chain. Unlike previous awards in carbon fiber or smart dyeing, this milestone targets the entire production chain of polyester fiber—the most produced synthetic fiber globally, accounting for 70% of the world's chemical fiber output.
From Isolated Breakthroughs to Full-Chain Autonomy
Over the past decade, China's textile industry has won national science awards in niche areas like specialty fibers and high-end equipment. This project, however, covers the entire chain from PTA raw materials to polymerization, spinning, texturing, and customized downstream products. It has formed a complete intellectual property system with 76 authorized invention patents, 10 software copyrights, and 14 national/industry standards. Experts have rated the overall technology as internationally leading. For buyers, this means improved product consistency, customization capability, and delivery stability.
Three Technological Dimensions Reshaping the Industry
The project achieved breakthroughs in three dimensions: green manufacturing, smart manufacturing, and service-oriented manufacturing. In green manufacturing, it pioneered a direct PTA-PET coupling low-carbon model and developed environmentally friendly titanium-based catalysts, replacing traditional antimony catalysts. This offers an upstream solution for downstream brands facing stricter carbon footprint requirements.
In smart manufacturing, the project completed large-scale domestic substitution of DCS control systems, establishing an integrated process-quality management system. Results have been deployed in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Xinjiang, and other industrial bases, generating cumulative new sales of over 200 billion RMB, profits and taxes exceeding 10 billion RMB, and export earnings of 1.8 billion USD.
The service-oriented manufacturing innovation is particularly noteworthy. The project created a 'multi-head, multi-tail' series-parallel polymerization platform and a 'one-head, three-tail' modular digital linkage system, enabling customized production of differentiated polyester fibers and multi-region agile manufacturing. This introduces a flexible manufacturing model to the chemical fiber sector, allowing small-batch, multi-variety production.
The Donghua-Tongkun Model of Collaboration
The project was led by Donghua University researcher Wang Huaping, with deep involvement from academician Zhu Meifang's team. Donghua's Advanced Fiber Materials National Key Laboratory provided theoretical and talent foundations, while Tongkun Group offered industrialization and market validation. This seamless 'lab-pilot-scale' transition was key to achieving over 200 billion RMB in new sales.
Concurrently, Donghua's international collaborator, Professor Elsa Reichmanis, received the International Science and Technology Cooperation Award. A three-time U.S. National Academy member, she has worked with Donghua since 2013, helping make the International Conference on Advanced Fiber and Polymer Materials the world's largest fiber symposium. This shows that China's textile industry, while pursuing independent innovation, continues to integrate global top talent.
Implications for the Supply Chain
The full-chain breakthrough will first impact raw material suppliers. The direct PTA-PET coupling model reduces intermediate steps, lowering energy and carbon emissions, setting a benchmark for PTA and polyester plants. Downstream fabric and apparel companies will gain more stable, lower-carbon, and customizable fiber supply, boosting product value. The replicability of this technology means future polyester fiber plants can adopt this 'China solution' directly, accelerating the industry's green and smart transformation.