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Wanhua Chemical's Commitment to Carbon Neutrality at COP29

Wanhua Chemical, a leading player in the chemical industry, recently showcased a series of innovative sustainable technologies during the COP29 conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024. The company aligned its presentation with COP29’s theme of “Solidarity for a Green World,” emphasizing its ongoing commitment to environmental accountability and carbon neutrality across the chemical supply chain.

As the world grapples with escalating climate concerns, Wanhua recognizes that the path to a sustainable future requires an integrated approach to technology and energy efficiency. The company's diversified initiatives expressed during the conference aim to not only transform its operations but also inspire collective action towards a more sustainable industry.

Key Technological Innovations

Wanhua introduced several cutting-edge technologies designed to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. One of the standout advancements is the world’s first smart integrated thermal energy technology, developed through the Wanhua Chemical Hehai Comprehensive Energy Project. This innovative system efficiently recycles waste heat generated from the industrial park in Yantai, providing high-quality thermal energy for production processes while also serving as a clean heating source for the city during winter months. The initiative is a game-changer, allowing Wanhua to effectively heat over 10 million square meters of residential areas and reducing coal consumption by approximately 2.6 million tons annually.

Additionally, Wanhua's MDI (diphenylmethane diisocyanate) technology highlights the utilization of wastewater recycling to manage highly concentrated waste brines. This process has led to the reduction of waste brine emissions by three million tons and a decrease in carbon emissions by around 140,000 tons each year. Furthermore, the pioneering hydrogen chloride (HCl) oxidation technology converts HCl into high-purity chlorine for MDI production, minimizing electric consumption significantly, resulting in a reduction of about 700,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

Advancing Recycling Techniques

Wanhua also promotes comprehensive material recycling to tackle the substantial issue of plastic waste, as more than 78% of plastic products are not recyclable at present. Within the household appliance sector alone, over five million tons of polyurethane foam are either incinerated or sent to landfills annually. In response, Wanhua has developed advanced alcoholysis methods for recycling polyurethanes, allowing the recovery of up to 30% of polyol without product degradation. This innovation has attracted interest from several major global brands seeking collaboration.

Inspiring a Sustainable Future

Mr. Liao Zengtai, President of Wanhua, encapsulated the company’s mission by stating, “With our corporate mission 'Advancing Chemistry, Transforming Lives,' Wanhua is committed to leveraging the power of chemistry to drive our transformation while addressing global landscape challenges and contributing to a sustainable future.”

Wanhua’s innovative chemical solutions are not only focused on carbon neutrality; they also enhance the quality of life globally. Their formaldehyde-free MDI-based furniture greatly reduces indoor emissions, while their slow-release polyurethane improves user experiences in various applications. Moreover, high-performance optical materials such as polycarbonate and PMMA cater to diverse industries from home appliances to electronics and automotive sectors, demonstrating Wanhua’s leadership in materials science.

Collaborating with other industrial organizations to collectively address environmental pollution remains paramount for Wanhua. The company’s advancements and commitment to sustainable practices not only showcase their capabilities but also set the course for a cleaner, greener future in the chemical industry. To learn more about Wanhua Chemical's ambitious sustainable innovation practices, visit their official site at Wanhua Chemical.