Earlier this month in Bengbu, Anhui Province, the 5th International New Materials Industry Conference brought together around 400 delegates to explore what’s next in sustainable materials. 🌱
From conference badges to shopping bags and even tableware, many everyday items were made from polylactic acid (PLA) – a biodegradable polymer derived from renewable biomass like corn and straw. PLA offers a low-carbon, eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics, helping curb fossil fuel reliance.
“PLA is a low-carbon and environmentally friendly material that holds the potential to replace traditional plastics and reduce dependence on fossil fuels,” explained Chen Liping, executive general manager at BBCA Group.
Widely used in packaging, textiles and medical applications, PLA-based products were also featured at big events like the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
According to a report by CCID Consulting under the Chinese mainland’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the industry hit 8.7 trillion yuan in 2024—a 13.8% jump from the previous year. Frontier materials alone surged 26.6% to 329.2 billion yuan, with projections to top 500 billion yuan by 2026.
As the Chinese mainland gears up for new industrial growth during the 15th Five-Year Plan, the new materials sector is set for a golden era, says Li Ke, vice president of CCID Consulting. 💡
Reference(s):
Green and AI technologies boost China's new materials industry
cgtn.com
