In recent years, environmental issues in China have become increasingly severe. While air pollution has long been a major concern, groundwater and soil contamination have also emerged as critical problems. The increasing frequency of smog events has finally made people realize the urgent need for environmental protection. Luo Baihui, Secretary General of the International Association of Mould & Hardware Plastics Industry Suppliers, emphasized that it is essential to guide financial resources toward enterprises with strong R&D capabilities. This approach can enhance the core competitiveness of China’s energy-saving and environmental protection industries, driving the transformation of the environmental equipment sector from manufacturing to a more service-oriented model.
According to data released by the China Meteorological Administration in November, the national average number of haze days this year was the highest since 1961. In addition to air pollution, incidents of groundwater and soil pollution have also become more frequent. These challenges have pushed society to recognize the importance of environmental protection. Many provinces and municipalities introduced measures to tackle pollution in 2013, focusing not only on air quality but also on water and soil remediation. Large investments were pledged to accelerate the development of environmental infrastructure.
In August of this year, the State Council issued the "Opinions on Accelerating the Development of Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Industry." This policy outlines key areas such as wastewater treatment, waste management, air pollution control, and hazardous waste and soil pollution monitoring. It also emphasizes the need to promote the professionalization, marketization, and socialization of environmental facilities, particularly in urban sewage treatment, flue gas desulfurization, and medical waste disposal.
China's construction machinery industry contributes significantly to pollution levels, with higher pollution indices compared to developed countries. Although energy-saving and emission-reduction measures have been implemented, they remain partial solutions rather than comprehensive strategies. Smog events have once again highlighted the need for a green strategy in the engineering sector. Companies like Zhonglian Zhongke are already developing energy-efficient products, which have gained positive feedback from users.
According to association data, the total output value of the environmental equipment manufacturing industry reached 160 billion yuan from January to September, up 19.07% year-on-year. Shipment value hit 6.979 billion yuan, rising 38.17%. This growth rate ranks among the top in the machinery industry. The "12th Five-Year Development Plan for Environmental Protection Equipment," issued in 2012, aimed to reach a total output value of 500 billion yuan by 2015.
With the rapid expansion of the environmental equipment market, concerns have arisen about potential overcapacity if too many funds flood into the sector, similar to the photovoltaic industry. On one hand, policy-driven production may lead to overcapacity due to low entry barriers. On the other hand, the effective use of environmental equipment depends heavily on technical support, regulatory enforcement, and government policy implementation.
Luo Baihui suggests that the energy-saving and environmental protection industry should focus on market demand rather than purely policy-driven growth. At the government level, it is crucial to standardize the industry, improve product specifications, and establish mandatory national standards. Market cleanup and long-term regulation are necessary to ensure sustainable development. Additionally, directing capital toward high-tech R&D companies will help strengthen the industry’s competitive edge and support its transition from manufacturing to a more service-oriented model.
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