The Chinese government issued action plan for quality improvement of key industrial materials including steel

In mid-September, an action plan for quality improvement of key industrial materials was jointly issued by four ministerial departments, namely: Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).

This plan is a part of the Chinese government’s efforts to push forward the high-quality development of industrial sectors. The action plan covers guidance for improving product quality, product mix and branding in some selected sectors. The goal is to achieve an evident improvement by 2025 and a substantial improvement by 2035 in product quality of high-temperature alloys, high performance special alloys, polymer composites, etc.

The action plan key points are as follows:

• Goal: to achieve an evident improvement by 2025 and a substantial improvement by 2035 in product quality of high temperature alloys, high performance special alloys, polymer composites, etc. Facilitate building a standardsation system for key materials throughout their life time.
• Phase out low-performance products while enhancing the supply of high-performance products, focusing on steel, glass, cement, aluminum and petrochemicals.
• Exploit the demand potential of green building materials, aluminum and other products.
• Reduce the energy intensity and carbon emission of industrial products to increase supply of products with low-carbon, even zero-carbon emissions.
• Strengthen the implementation of industry norms for the evaluation of green products. Build a database for lifecycle carbon emissions of key products and prepare to include the carbon footprint into the evaluation system. The action will focus on petrochemicals, steel, non-ferrous metals and building materials.
• A catalogue of technologies and products that can lead to low-carbon development will be published. A
harmonised certification and labelling system for green products will be established.
• The existing industrial standards for rebars, cement and aluminum will be reviewed and enhanced to facilitate quality improvement of the products.
• Build a real-time monitoring system for manufacturing processes, from raw materials preparation to finishing and quality control.
• Support manufacturing businesses to invest in brand-building and enhancement. Support industry
associations to publish regular reports on the progress of brand-building in each sector.
• Support companies in petrochemicals, steel, non-ferrous metals and building materials sectors to go abroad and build Chinese brands via collaboration with foreign high-end manufacturers.

In addition, Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued a circular to start the evaluation of green manufacturing activities. Provincial authorities are requested to nominate candidates in each region. Companies that meet the national standard for green factory will be awarded the Green Manufacturer label, which includes four categories, i.e. Green Factory, Green Design Products, Green Industrial Park and Green Supply Chain. A list of Green Manufacturers will be announced as soon as it is
ratified by the MIIT.