By Jin Lu
From a humble chemistry teacher to a corporate leader, Wang Xiong, Chairman of Ningbo Jialian Technology Co., Ltd., has charted an impressive course in life. Under his leadership, Jialian Technology has experienced remarkable growth. As a nationally recognized manufacturing leader, the company is engaged in the research, production, and sale of biodegradable products and plastic items for daily use, while offering comprehensive green solutions for caterers, supermarkets, aviation companies, and major sporting events.
A Green Product Lineup
Jialian Technology's commitment to sustainability is evident in its product showroom, where a standout item is the "SLIBB," a recyclable plastic clothespin.
"Traditional clothespins rely on metal springs for rebound force to secure garments on a clothesline, but such springs require manual installation. Automating the process is impractical for most companies," explained Tian Xiaofeng, director of the company's marketing department. But Jialian Technology, a company that prioritizes the environment over mere profit, decided to find a greener replacement for metal springs.
After drawing up the designs and identifying the best recyclable plastics, Jialian Technology conducted 5,000 compression tests. The result was a clothespin that could be assembled automatically and boasts a lifespan of around eight years. Its green, durable, and mass-producible qualities have made it popular with household product brands worldwide.
The clothespin is just the tip of the iceberg of Jianlian's large portfolio of exceptional biodegradable materials and products.
In the showroom, a wide range of products—from straws and forks to cups and plates—highlights Jialian Technology's extensive line of biodegradable items. "For example, this PLA biodegradable straw is made from starch-based polymer materials. We currently offer dozens of biodegradable straw models," said Tian. Once disposed of, these products can undergo processing that ensures they do not pollute soil or water resources.
"Last year, Jialian Technology's 15-piece environmentally friendly tableware set was used at the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games," stated Wang proudly.
A Greener Ecosystem
Jialian Technology is the first in China's catering packaging industry to release an ESG report, which details a company's performance in balancing environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance.
"The report covers not only Jialian Technology's carbon emissions but also those of our partners. This reflects our commitment to promoting green and low-carbon practices and encouraging our upstream and downstream partners to join us in going green," said Tian.
Jialian Technology has been actively pursuing green initiatives. For example, consider the commonly seen bubble tea cup, printed with the store's logo. The cup itself is made of polypropylene, while the plastic film used for the logo is polyethylene. Although both materials are recyclable individually, their combination renders the cup non-recyclable due to differing melting points, leading to environmental pollution if discarded improperly.
"We are encouraging upstream suppliers to develop new polypropylene films to make the cups fully recyclable and assisting them in finding new markets," explained Tian.
Going green also involves shifting from disposables to durable alternatives. Originally, Jialian Technology used disposable stretch films to secure food in trays. However, to get at the food, the user has to peel back or cut open these films before discarding them, leading to waste and pollution. Jialian Technology worked with upstream partners to develop reusable stretch bags that resemble stockings; they can wrap up the entire tray and can be sealed with Velcro. The user simply opens the Velcro to access their meal, with no damage to the stretch bag.
"This change saves us 2 million yuan annually. As long as they are not lost, these stretch bags can be used indefinitely," Tian said.
According to the ESG report, Jialian Technology aims to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions across its entire ecosystem by 2050.
A Greener Future for the World
Prominent domestic and international brand logos displayed at the entrance of Jialian Technology's showroom highlight the company's global partners and affirm the global market's recognition of its green initiatives. These brands include Walmart, Costco, and Amazon.
Jialian Technology is a supplier of household products to major overseas supermarkets. "To better serve our international clients, we acquired a company in the US and established a pilot factory. We also leased a 25,000-square-meter facility in Thailand, which began production before the 2024 Chinese New Year. Additionally, we are developing 24 hectares of land in Thailand, readying it for the construction of a 100,000-square-meter factory as part of phase one," said Wang, detailing the company's overseas expansion plans.
Adapting to the evolving global landscape, Jialian Technology is pursuing a dual-track strategy, focusing equally on both the Chinese and international markets. As a result, the company's domestic sales have been rapidly increasing.
"In China, we primarily supply packaging products to bubble tea shops, caterers, and cafes," said Tian. "We aim to expand the use of plant fiber products in the domestic food packaging market, as this area remains largely untapped."
Jialian Technology has already established nine intelligent production bases worldwide, including locations in Zhejiang, Guangxi, Guangdong, the United States, and Thailand. The company also plans to expand its footprint in China by building additional production facilities in central and northern regions.
"With our global production network and the ongoing rollout of new green product categories, our competitive edge has grown significantly. I'm confident that our company will continue to grow and succeed," said Wang, expressing a vision for Jialian Technology to become a world-class manufacturer of green materials and household products.