NETDA leads in green industrial growth

In recent years, the Nantong Economic and Technological Development Area (NETDA) has focused not only on attracting major projects but also on advancing environmentally friendly industrial development.

"We have always prioritized ecological issues in the city. That's why we are very selective when it comes to chemical projects—only environmentally friendly ones are approved," explained Cao Zhen, former director of the Nantong Chemical Industry Bureau.

One standout example is Polyplastics (Nantong) Co Ltd, a global leader in engineering plastics manufacturing. This foreign-invested enterprise was jointly established by Japan's Polyplastics Co Ltd and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Trading Inc. Since 2001, Polyplastics has identified NETDA as a key base for expanding its global market presence, investing in PTM Engineering Plastics and Polyplastics (Nantong) in the area.

In 2021, NETDA launched efforts to protect the Yangtze River and ensure long-term development by restructuring and upgrading its chemical industry park. This initiative was met with support from key enterprises, including PTM Engineering Plastics, which became the first company to sign a relocation agreement. The relocated project emphasized greater investment in research and development and expanded production capacity, setting a positive example for other businesses undergoing relocation.

Alongside introducing green projects and revising chemical park plans, NETDA has strengthened supervision of enterprises within its jurisdiction. While most chemical companies in the area now meet emissions standards, occasional odors have been reported by nearby residents. To address this, the zone launched the odor-free industrial park initiative in 2022, targeting 62 chemical enterprises for upgrades. The goal is to eliminate detectable odors and create a dual evaluation system combining national and local standards.

Thanks to these efforts, the chemical park within NETDA was recognized as a green chemical industrial park at this year's China Chemical Industry Park Sustainable Development Conference. Additionally, it became the first odor-free industrial park in Nantong, underscoring the area's commitment to sustainable and community-friendly development.

The opening ceremony of Polyplastics (Nantong) is held in NETDA in December. [Photo/Nantong Daily]