Polyester Fiber Industry Chain Technology Wins Top National Science Award, Forming an Independent System

The chemical fiber industry has reached a historic milestone in building its own technology system. In the 2025 National Science and Technology Awards, the project 'Key Technologies for Green and Intelligent Manufacturing of the Polyester Fiber Industry Chain' won the first prize in the Progress category, marking the first such honor for general polyester fiber full-chain technology. Led by Tongkun Group and involving ten institutions including Donghua University and Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, the project took over a decade of collaborative research. Data shows that from 2012 to 2020, 22 textile-related projects won the Progress Award, but first prizes were mainly in specialty materials like carbon fiber. This award for general polyester fiber indicates a top-level recognition of industrial fundamental capabilities.

Industry Impact Polyester fiber accounts for over 70% of China's total chemical fiber output and serves as the 'industrial staple' for textiles. The project achieved breakthroughs in three dimensions: green manufacturing with a direct PTA-PET low-carbon model and eco-friendly titanium catalysts; intelligent manufacturing with localized DCS control systems and integrated quality management; and service-oriented manufacturing with a 'multi-head-multi-tail' polymerization platform for customized products. To date, the project has generated 76 invention patents, 14 national standards, cumulative new sales exceeding 200 billion yuan, profits and taxes over 10 billion yuan, and export earnings of 1.8 billion USD. For downstream buyers, this means more stable supply, better quality control, and green labels that enhance product premiums.

Additionally, the International Science and Technology Cooperation Award was given to Professor Elsa Reichmanis from Lehigh University. She has long promoted China-US scientific exchanges, collaborating deeply with Donghua University to train talents and publish 18 high-level papers. This brings international perspectives to domestic fiber material research, helping bridge the gap between basic research and industrial application.

Practical Advice ### For Buyers - Prioritize suppliers certified under this technology system; their products offer better energy efficiency, yield rates, and environmental compliance. - Look for 'zero-waste enterprise' and 'intelligent manufacturing demonstration factory' lists for more stable supply chains. - Use the full lifecycle green standards to pursue carbon footprint certifications and export duty advantages.

For Exporters - When exporting to EU or US markets, highlight that products come from national-level green intelligent manufacturing technology to navigate carbon border adjustment mechanisms. - Establish long-term partnerships with demonstration companies like Tongkun to lock in customized capacity and reduce intermediary costs. - Monitor technology transfer from research institutions like Donghua University to secure early access to next-generation functional fibers.