Extending Chemical Reactions——A Report from China Bluestar to Build an Eco-symbiotic System
October 01 10:05:01, 2025
China National Bluestar (Group) Corporation has long been a pioneer in promoting sustainable development within the chemical industry. As the 16th Central Committee's Fifth Plenary Session emphasized, the Party Central Committee laid out a comprehensive plan for the 11th Five-Year Plan, with a strong focus on building a resource-efficient and environmentally friendly society. The chemical sector, known for its high resource consumption and environmental impact, has faced significant challenges over the years. However, Bluestar has successfully implemented circular economy principles, achieving both economic and ecological benefits.
With China's rapid economic growth, two critical issues have emerged: excessive resource consumption and severe environmental pollution. In 2003 alone, carbon dioxide emissions reached over 21 million tons, surpassing 33% of the country’s environmental capacity. Chemical oxygen demand emissions exceeded 13 million tons, posing serious threats to river systems. Smoke and dust emissions also reached alarming levels, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices.
Bluestar has embraced the "resources-products-renewable resources" model, integrating the principles of reduction, reuse, and recycling into its operations. This approach not only helps reduce environmental impact but also enhances operational efficiency. For example, the Wuxi Resin Plant, one of the largest manufacturers of bisphenol A and epoxy resin, successfully eliminated its reliance on flaring by implementing advanced technologies and process optimizations.
The plant initially relied on a 35-meter-high flare to manage exhaust gases, which caused pollution and local complaints. Through three key phases of technological upgrades, Bluestar transformed the system. By using waste gas as fuel, installing steam recovery systems, and introducing a new gas fractionation unit, the plant completely shut down the flare. These changes significantly reduced emissions while generating substantial cost savings and environmental benefits.
Beyond emissions control, Bluestar has also focused on resource recovery. It has developed innovative methods to recycle epichlorohydrin, recover phenol from wastewater, and treat oily wastewater effectively. These initiatives not only lower production costs but also enhance competitiveness in the market.
In addition to internal improvements, Bluestar has played a vital role in developing eco-industrial parks. The Jiangxi Xinghuo Industrial Park is a prime example, where companies collaborate to create a closed-loop system. By reusing by-products and optimizing energy use, the park has achieved remarkable sustainability outcomes. For instance, one company uses waste residues to produce high-boiling silicone oil, generating significant economic returns.
Water treatment is another area where Bluestar has made significant strides. Recognizing the growing water crisis, the company has invested in advanced membrane technology, serving over 1,000 projects nationwide. At TISCO, a major steel producer in Taiyuan, Bluestar helped implement a reverse osmosis system that enabled complete reuse of wastewater, reducing daily water consumption by millions of tons.
These efforts reflect Bluestar’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and long-term value creation. As it continues to expand its reach, the company remains at the forefront of transforming the chemical industry into a more eco-friendly and efficient sector.