Glass Fiber Industry: From "High Volume" to "High Quality", a Decade of Strides
In recent years, the glass fiber industry has achieved a leapfrog development from "high volume" to "high quality" under the impetus of policy support, technological innovation, and market demand. From its humble beginnings to its current prominence, the glass fiber industry is increasingly becoming a crucial pillar of China's high-quality manufacturing development.
I. Current Industry Status: Transition from Quantity Accumulation to Quality Leap
Glass fiber, a lightweight, high-strength, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant inorganic non-metallic material, is widely used in construction materials, wind power, automotive, and electronics sectors. Over the past decade, China's glass fiber production has consistently ranked first globally, establishing itself as a key production base for the global glass fiber industry. However, with the introduction of the "dual carbon" goals and energy consumption control policies, the industry has transitioned from "quantity accumulation" to "quality leap."
In 2021, the glass fiber industry experienced a high-growth cycle with both volume and price increases, but it also faced challenges such as fluctuations in raw material prices and overcapacity. According to reports by the China Building Materials News, since 2021, the industry has actively adjusted production schedules, reduced the launch of new projects, and promoted the optimization and upgrading of existing capacities, gradually achieving supply-demand balance.
II. Technological Innovation: Smart Manufacturing Drives Industrial Upgrading
In the wave of digital transformation, the glass fiber industry has accelerated the advancement of smart manufacturing. Taking China Jushi as an example, its "drawing process" adopts an industry-first multi-draw technology, realizing high-volume continuous production of glass fiber. The raw fiber undergoes automatic winding, unloading, and intelligent drying, significantly enhancing production efficiency and product quality.
Additionally, the China Building Materials Group has introduced automated looms to transform glass fiber into electronic-grade glass cloth, which is used in circuit boards, serving industries such as information and communications, aerospace, and transportation. This technological breakthrough not only improves product quality but also propels the industry toward high-end development.
III. International Cooperation: Glass Fiber "Invisible Giants" Go Global
In the global market, Chinese glass fiber enterprises are increasingly making their presence known. According to reports by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, one in three wind turbine blades globally uses glass fiber products from China Jushi, a Chinese glass fiber "invisible giant." This company not only holds a significant position in international markets but also actively expands its overseas 布局.
For instance, China Jushi Egypt Glass Fiber Co., Ltd. has been established and put into operation along the Red Sea in Egypt, achieving a breakthrough in Egypt's glass fiber industry from scratch. This project not only drives the development of local upstream and downstream industries such as minerals and packaging materials but also cultivates a large number of talents for Egypt's industrial upgrading, serving as a model of Sino-Egyptian industrial capacity cooperation.
IV. Regional Development: From "Silent Cultivation" to "Renowned Prestige"
Within China, the regional development of the glass fiber industry is also brimming with highlights. Taking Shangyou County in Jiangxi Province as an example, the county has fostered the growth of the glass fiber new composite materials industry cluster, propelling the transformation of traditional glass industries toward high-value-added sectors. According to reports by Xinfeng County People's Government, Shangyou's glass fiber industry has undergone a decade of transformation, evolving from "silent cultivation" to "renowned prestige," becoming a vital pillar of the local economy.
Additionally, Sichuan Glass Fiber Factory in Deyang City, Sichuan Province, after decades of development, has grown into Sichuan Glass Fiber Group Co., Ltd., becoming an important production base for Chinese electrical insulation and electronic glass fiber materials. Data from the State Administration of Taxation of Sichuan Province indicates that precise tax policies have provided strong support for the sustainable development of glass fiber enterprises.
V. Challenges and Opportunities: Industry Marches Toward High-Quality Development
Despite the significant achievements in technological innovation and market expansion, the glass fiber industry still faces challenges such as overcapacity and supply-demand imbalances. According to reports by the China Building Materials News, since the second half of 2022, supply-demand contradictions have become evident, leading to a sharp decline in prices and a significant drop in performance. However, in the third quarter of 2024, the performance of major listed companies showed a turnaround, with industry demand rebounding and prices stabilizing.
Looking ahead, with the advancement of the national "dual carbon" goals, the application prospects of glass fiber in wind power and new energy vehicles are becoming increasingly promising. Zhang Yunque, Chairman of China Jushi, stated in an interview that the development of the glass fiber industry hinges on innovation-driven initiatives and talent support. He emphasized that enterprises should focus more on the research and development of core technologies and the promotion of green manufacturing in the future, contributing to the realization of the "dual carbon" goals.
VI. Conclusion: The Path of High-Quality Development in the Glass Fiber Industry
From "high volume" to "high quality," the glass fiber industry stands at a new historical starting point. Through technological innovation, industrial upgrading, and international cooperation, the industry continuously explores new development spaces. With the support of national policies and the impetus of market demand, the glass fiber industry will continue to contribute to China's high-quality manufacturing development, advancing the realization of the "manufacturing powerhouse" vision.
