How do sustainable products and eco-friendly materials transform daily life and lead the future?

During my product research, I’ve also been reflecting: if the technical aspects of environmental issues are often just one step away from resolution, then how can we complete that final loop? While recording this roundtable program, we revisited this topic—and many concrete examples emerged. For instance, we discussed the current state of cornstarch-based biodegradable materials, as well as the issue of microplastics in oceans. The question that struck me most deeply was this: coffee shops first replaced plastic straws with paper ones, only to switch back to plastic straws later—so why not simply mandate paper straws? As the discussion unfolded, I couldn’t help but feel frustrated: Why are we still debating problems raised years ago—even when solutions were proposed long before? Once these questions are truly unpacked, the crux of the challenge becomes clear. In fact, I’d already learned the answer over a decade ago during a Dow training session: ultimately, it’s about integrating efforts across all stakeholders. Yet without reliable eco-friendly materials acting as the ‘adhesive’ binding those stakeholders together, each environmental initiative remains isolated—talking only to itself—and the loop simply cannot close. Take the solvent-free design approach mentioned earlier: chemically speaking, it’s an ideal solution—but socially, implementation is far from straightforward. Multiple factors constrain its development. In my view, at least three stand out: (1) volatile emissions of toxic solvents like toluene; (2) lack of standardized benchmarks; and (3) insufficient cross-agency coordination among regulatory bodies. Dow has addressed all three. Technically, Dow developed Ecoground™—a solvent-free, water-based acrylic adhesive. When used for track backing, it enables immediate use after installation, emitting zero volatile toxic substances. As a major industrial player, Dow’s R&D capabilities are truly impressive. But technology must be grounded in real-world application. So Dow collaborated broadly—especially with local governments and schools—to build standardized running tracks through public-benefit initiatives. The question asks: How do eco-friendly materials lead daily life? Isn’t enabling children to play more healthily on safe tracks precisely such an example? Even further, Dow’s corporate training programs fundamentally aim to mobilize broader societal forces. I’m certain the technicians trained back then had no idea I’d eventually pursue science communication—but since I did, I can now carry forward their original ideas, helping more people understand or empathize with them. That, too, is another way of shaping the future. Conversely, regarding the straw example: governments, businesses, consumers, and environmental advocates have all contributed ideas—but no closed loop has formed. What’s missing is a tangible material capable of uniting these diverse forces. Even the best concepts fall short by that one critical step. From this perspective, it’s easy to see why companies like Dow invest so deeply in new materials. As a leader in the chemical industry, Dow is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year—truly a mature and steady enterprise. Precisely because of this maturity, many of its principles aren’t just for specialists—they deserve to break out of professional silos. For example, Dow’s three sustainability pillars announced in 2020 are: (1) reducing greenhouse gas emissions—cutting annual net carbon emissions by 5 million tons by 2030; (2) eliminating plastic waste—collecting or recycling 1 million tons of plastic by 2030; and (3) advancing the circular economy—ensuring 100% of Dow’s packaging products are reusable or recyclable by 2035.

How does Dow Chemical reshape the packaging sector through full-chain plastic circularity, following three strategic pathways?

Even more noteworthy is the ‘paper-plastic integration’ pathway. The industry debate between ‘replacing paper with plastic’ and ‘replacing plastic with paper’ has persisted for years. Dow proposes a third framework: leveraging plastic’s functional advantages to enhance paper-based packaging. The XUS 61530.30 high-melt-index octene-based linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) resin, combined with APPEEL™ 55031-based PE-coated paper peelable lid films, doesn’t merely ask ‘which material should we use?’—rather, it tackles the deeper question: ‘How can we expand paper’s applicability across more use cases, thereby reducing overall plastic consumption?’ Zhao Minjia’s explanation is highly persuasive: ‘Paper’s inherent recyclability and broad consumer acceptance are strengths. Our new products specifically address paper’s limitations, improving its practical usability for end consumers.’ Aligning with overseas regulations, driving industry-wide standardization upgrades If technology and business models serve as the driving force, policy standards act as the lever determining speed. Xiao Keda candidly identifies China’s core market barrier today: ‘Most current standards remain voluntary recommendations—we urgently need to shift toward mandatory requirements.’ He cites Europe and India as examples: the EU Green Deal explicitly sets legally binding packaging recycling targets for 2030; India implemented EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) in 2025, mandating the inclusion of recycled content in packaging. The result? Sustainable packaging adoption in both markets has progressed far faster than in any region relying solely on market-driven momentum. Dow is among the first companies globally certified by GRPG’s ‘Dual-Ease Mark’ (certifying ease of recycling and ease of regeneration), and continues deep involvement in developing standards for mono-material packaging and low-carbon product certification. On the consumer awareness front, Dow partners with Shanghai Yuekun Environmental Technology (LOVERE) and Delian Group to launch a PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) digital traceability platform. Consumers can scan a QR code to view the full journey of their packaging—from collection and sorting, through recycling and regeneration, to final product. Xiao Keda notes: ‘Many consumers are willing to pay a small premium for sustainability—but they need transparency to make informed choices.’ Moreover, Zhao Minjia highlights that Dow is currently the only materials supplier in the market implementing quality control over partners’ PCR products—and quality data consistently shows upward trends. Deep supply-chain quality management forms the foundational bedrock of Dow’s circular ecosystem: scaling production without ensuring quality would only magnify existing problems. China: A pioneering testbed for innovation Within Dow’s global sustainability strategy, China holds a unique position. Zhao Minjia states directly: ‘China is our primary vanguard market globally for innovation and scaled implementation.’ This isn’t a casual remark: globally, only two KARO® 5.0 biaxial orientation machines exist—and one is located in China, serving as critical hardware for commercializing all-PE high-barrier film technology. More significantly, the world’s first consumer goods packaging based on a closed-loop PCR system—the Liby laundry detergent bottle—originated in China, not in Europe or North America. ‘Asia has always led in technological advancement; most of our solutions flow outward from the Asia-Pacific market to the rest of the world.’ This statement overturns the conventional perception of Asia as a ‘follower’ in sustainable innovation.

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