An aerial photo of a chemical plant in Shandong province on Nov 28, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

Emerging technologies are paving the way for a more sustainable chemical production industry in Linzi district in Zibo, Shandong province, alongside other changes to make the district's heavy industries more environmentally friendly.

As one of China's major chemical manufacturing bases, Linzi had 135 new industrial robot manufacturing units, 16 new AI factory workshops and 25 city-level incubation platforms for high-tech factories last year.

Linzi has also encouraged companies to abandon facilities that are low in productivity but cause heavy pollution, such as the 35-metric-ton coal-fired steam boiler. The district has roped in professional teams for sewage and solid waste disposal in areas where massive factories have been shut down.

Such efforts have proved to be a driving momentum for the district to further upgrade the chemical industry. "Tech adaptation in industrial infrastructure like workshops has certainly helped local companies to improve production efficiency and reduce emissions," said Bai Pinghe, head of Linzi district.

"It (tech adaptations in chemical industries) is an inevitable trend and the government aims to help with tech upgrade of about 180 chemical makers in 2019. That will account for 30 percent of the district's total," Bai said.

Chemicals major Zibo Qixiangtengda Chemical Co Ltd is one of the companies that is undergoing a tech upgrade. The company has invested 300 million yuan ($44 million) on 169 projects aimed to make production processes more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Going ahead the government will also enact a series of measures to encourage more tech-savvy chemical productions such as new materials, according to Bai.

The district also vowed to offer support for development of butane and polyurethane to enhance its green chemical credentials.

"Liquid fuels such as butane are believed to cause less pollution during their production processes, compared with solid fuels such as coal. The move goes in parallel with the district's other efforts to make its heavy industry more environmentally friendly," said Han Xiaoping, chief researcher of china5e.com, an energy analysis website.

Linzi's butane and polyurethane manufacture is dominated by producers like Zibo Qixiangtengda Chemical and Shandong Qiwangda Group.

"The local government will step up its efforts in promoting the development of new materials and other high-end chemical products such as styrene. We hope major chemical makers in Linzi can continue playing a lead role in developing a more mature industrial chain," Bai said.

Linzi will also see a series of constructions, including a tech upgrade program for styrene production with an investment of 4.1 billion yuan from Shandong Qiwangda, and an industrial park for new material production with an investment of 1.3 billion yuan from Shandong Qidu Pharmaceutical Co Ltd.

"The chemical industry in Linzi is set to see renewed impetus this year," Bai said.