Under China's “dual-carbon” goals, sustainability has become a vital focus for the textile industry's transformation. On September 26, AHB officially launched the Bio-Based Polyester Textile Industry Alliance in Hefei, Anhui. It aims at accelerating the development of China’s bio-based polyester industry through technological innovation and high-quality supply chain upgrades.
Historically, the production of 1,3-propanediol—a key ingredient for bio-based polyester PTT—has been dominated by foreign companies which led to many supply chain challenges. By establishing a stable supply of 50,000 tons of bio-based 1,3-PDO, AHB has shifted the landscape, breaking the dependency on overseas suppliers and establishing a fully localized PDO-to-PTT industrial chain. This includes polymerization, spinning, fiber fictionalization, and manufacture of final products.
The alliance is determined to drive local material supply chain and create a cohesive ecosystem for bio-based polyester, combining production, research, development, and practical application. This comprehensive network aims to achieve industry synergy, information sharing, collaborative breakthroughs, and technological advances to foster a robust platform for innovation and growth.
Led by AHB, the alliance includes prominent players such as Donghua University, the National Advanced Functional Fiber Innovation Center, and various downstream enterprises. Donghua University’s Wang Huaping, a distinguished expert in high-performance fibers, will serve as chief advisor, with additional support from Xu Jinlong, R&D Director at the Functional Fiber Center, and Professor Wu Jing of Donghua University. Leaders from the China Chemical Fiber Association, including President Chen Xinwei, also attended the inaugural event.
AHB's Chairman and President, Guo Henghua, emphasized that the alliance will accelerate the manufacturing cycle while streamlining processes across the supply chain. She noted that the partnership would unite scientists, industry leaders, and brands to address bottlenecks hindering productivity which will help China to establish itself as a leader in this field. AHB will focus on pioneering innovations in raw materials, product applications, and collaborative ventures with alliance members.
Alliance Chief Advisor Professor Wang Huaping outlined key goals: (1) using AHB's 1,3-PDO as a foundation for testing and production along the supply chain; (2) establishing a new PTT fiber technology framework that supports both steady growth and innovation; (3) enhancing products to meet diverse market demands; and (4) promoting an integrated supply chain model to drive development through consumer-driven innovations. The purpose of these goals is to advance the bio-based polyester fiber industry’s sustainability.
In a concluding statement, China Chemical Fiber Association President Chen Xinwei praised AHB's production scale and recognized the alliance's potential to reshape the bio-based PTT fiber industry. Chen outlined future goals for the alliance, including engaging high-profile brands to foster collaborative innovation, enhancing partnerships, and improving efficiency. He wishes the alliance will lead to consistent product quality and profitability throughout the value chain.
The association has pledged its full support to the alliance’s growth and high-quality development.Its members will work together to expand the applications of bio-based PTT fiber, promoting new branding used to recognize this new type of sustainable textiles.
