Polyester Fiber Full-Chain Technology Wins Top National Science Award: China's Chemical Fiber Industry Builds Independent System

In the 2025 National Science and Technology Awards, a project from the textile and chemical fiber sector stood out: 'Key Technologies for Green and Smart Manufacturing in the Polyester Fiber Industry Chain,' led by Tongkun Group in collaboration with Donghua University and eight other institutions, won the first prize for technological progress. This marks the highest recognition for general fiber full-chain technology since the 2017 carbon fiber award and the 2014 intelligent dyeing award, signaling the industry's shift from fragmented breakthroughs to integrated systems.

Technical System: From 'Industrial Staple' to Self-Reliance

Polyester fiber is the 'industrial staple' of textiles, with China accounting for 70% of global chemical fiber output. Led by Professor Wang Huaping from Donghua University, with deep involvement from Academician Zhu Meifang, the project tackled strategic needs for industrial chain security. After over a decade of collaborative research, it built a self-controlled advanced manufacturing system with three core breakthroughs:

• **Green Manufacturing**: Created a direct PTA-PET coupling low-carbon model, developed eco-friendly titanium catalysts, invented crude oil-based fiber oils, and established lifecycle green standards.
• **Smart Manufacturing**: Upgraded full-process automation, replaced imported DCS systems with domestic ones, and built integrated quality control systems.
• **Service-Oriented Manufacturing**: Pioneered a 'multi-head, multi-tail' series-parallel polymerization platform, enabling modular digital linkage for customized production and multi-region agile manufacturing.

To date, the project has generated 76 authorized invention patents, 10 software copyrights, and 14 national/industry standards, with overall technology deemed internationally leading.

Industrial Impact: Over 200 Billion RMB in New Sales

The technology's value is realized in industry. According to public data, the results have been deployed in Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Xinjiang, and over 10 other units, generating over 200 billion RMB in new sales, 10 billion in profits and taxes, and 1.8 billion USD in exports. This means a self-reliant system is reshaping cost structures, production efficiency, and environmental standards.

For downstream buyers, the most immediate impact is improved product stability and customization. The 'one head, three tails' process allows flexible product switching on a single platform, shortening order-to-delivery cycles. For exporters, the export data confirms international competitiveness, especially in emerging markets like Southeast Asia.

Dual Recognition: Synergy of Global Collaboration

Professor Elsa Reichmanis, chair of Donghua University's international advisory committee, received the International Science and Technology Cooperation Award. She has long promoted US-China exchanges, co-trained talent, and co-organized global fiber conferences. Both awards going to Donghua University reflects China's shift from 'follower imitation' to 'self-driven leadership plus global collaboration.'

Practical Recommendations

For Buyers - Monitor Tongkun's new product lines from the 'multi-head, multi-tail' process, which can shorten lead times for customized orders. - Evaluate suppliers' green certifications; the project's eco-friendly catalysts and lifecycle standards may lower carbon footprints, helping meet EU carbon tariffs. - Compare energy consumption and defect rates between traditional and promoted processes; the latter may offer 5%-10% cost savings.

For Exporters - Seize the window for technology export: The service-oriented manufacturing model is a replicable 'China solution' for textile capacity relocation to Southeast Asia and South Asia. - Shift export mix toward high-value differentiated polyester fibers (e.g., functional, customized) to match high-end market demand. - Leverage international collaboration channels from Reichmanis' network for cross-border patent and standards mutual recognition.