Sun Paper Group was founded in 1982 with a loan of just 30,000 yuan ($4,719). However, under the leadership of chairman and founder Li Hongxin, the company, based in Jining, Shandong province, has become a leading enterprise in the domestic paper industry.

The manufacturing shop of Sun Paper Group [Photo/Dazhong News]

The company has always attached importance to technological innovation and environmental protection as a way to upgrade traditional industries and achieve sustainable development, said Li.

"Our investment in environmental protection started early, that is, around 2000. We prioritized environmental protection among our three 'life projects' -- environmental protection, quality and safety," said Li.

According to Li, the company's wastewater treatment technology is among the best in the world, surpassing Europe, while solid wastes are recycled.

"Take white mud for example. At present, we are cooperating with a US company to make waste white mud into calcium carbonate after processing, and then reuse it in the production of high-grade paper," said Li.

Meanwhile, Sun Paper is also investing heavily in research and innovation to constantly improve product technology. It has developed the world's first dissolving pulp continuous cooking technology and has made the world's first household paper without any chemicals.

Sun Paper is also promoting its "going out" strategy, setting up a wholly-owned subsidiary with a registered capital of $200 million in Laos in October, 2008.