Fdca: A True Game Changer—Zhang Yu of Zhongke Guosheng on FDCA Commercialization, Driving Innovation, and Reshaping

Alex: Zhang Yu, thank you for taking the time to talk with us. For readers who may not be familiar with you, could you briefly introduce yourself?

Zhang Yu: Alex, thank you for your invitation. I am Zhang Yu, the co-founder and CEO of Zhongke Guosheng. For nearly two decades, I have been dedicated to the innovative development and commercialization of green materials. In 2021, I founded Zhongke Guosheng in Hangzhou with my co-founder. We are pioneers in the field of furan-based bio-based materials, particularly focusing on the large-scale production and diversified applications of FDCA. I am delighted to engage with globally application-oriented partners here.

Alex: Currently, PEF is still a relatively new material. In the past, one challenge faced by furan-based precursors (such as HMF and FDCA) was achieving industrial-scale production. What key technological breakthroughs are crucial for achieving industrial production?

Zhang Yu: The key lies in the continuous and strictly controlled industrial production process. Traditional batch methods suffer from low catalytic efficiency, high costs, and poor batch-to-batch product quality consistency, making industrial production economically unfeasible. For Zhongke Guosheng, we have developed our own patented continuous process, capable of producing 400 tons of FDCA annually, and have delivered over 200 tons globally, achieving true commercial deployment.

Alex: Your company has developed a continuous fixed-bed process for HMF production. What advantages does it have compared to the traditional batch process for bio-based monomers?

Zhang Yu: Our proprietary continuous process integrates two key technologies. The first is high-selectivity HMF catalysis technology, which aims to convert biomass into HMF with fewer by-products, lower energy consumption, and more precise process control. The other is our FDCA short-batch technology, which can convert HMF into PEF-grade FDCA with a purity of 99.99%, providing highly consistent products for downstream partners.

Alex: What do you think are the biggest opportunities and challenges for HMF, FDCA, and ultimately PEF?

Zhang Yu: We firmly believe that bio-based materials represent the future, and furan-based materials possess both "platform potential" and higher performance. In addition to synthesizing PEF polyester from HMF and FDCA, they can also be applied to a range of high-performance products, especially aramid fibers, coatings, and adhesives. More importantly, PEF fully meets the requirements of climate-friendly and circular solutions.

However, reducing costs and strengthening supply chain collaboration remain pressing priorities. Without economies of scale, costs cannot be reduced; without downstream validation, the market cannot be formed. For Sinopec Guosheng, we focus on reducing costs through technology and co-creating applications with brand owners to jointly promote the commercialization process.

Alex: What type of ecosystem collaboration do you think the industry needs during the commercialization of FDCA?

Zhang Yu: FDCA is not just a material, but a value chain that drives industry transformation, requiring collaboration from the entire ecosystem. Zhongke Guosheng upholds the concept of an open and cooperative ecosystem, and is committed to building a platform in collaboration with research institutions, brand owners, and capital forces to accelerate industry deployment.

We have demonstrated that PEF not only meets environmental goals but also surpasses PET in terms of gas barrier properties, thermal stability, and mechanical strength, while being suitable for existing production and recycling systems.

Alex: How mature is Zhongke Guosheng's material integration into mainstream plastic manufacturing processes such as injection molding, stretch blow molding, or extrusion?

Zhang Yu: We have successfully applied PEF materials to various processing methods, including injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding—particularly suitable for high-barrier and thick-walled transparent packaging. Since FDCA and PTA are structurally similar, most downstream equipment requires almost no major modifications.

In terms of fibers, we have completed the verification of PEF filament and staple fiber blended with cotton, wool, and silk. We are currently testing blended products that meet various functional and differentiated market needs.

Alex: Which industries (packaging, textiles, automotive, or other industries) have shown the most interest in your materials?

Zhang Yu: The packaging, textile, and functional protective sectors have shown a stronger interest in our materials. For the packaging industry, PEF's excellent barrier properties and recyclability make it an ideal choice for high-barrier and thick-walled transparent packaging. In the textile field, PEF fibers naturally possess antibacterial and anti-mite properties, low moisture absorption, high moisture regain, and supramolecular self-repairing functions—this is also the important reason why we have already collaborated with leading sportswear and home textile brands.

Our bio-based flame-retardant aramid improves dyeability, moisture regain, and elongation at break while maintaining core performance. This softer and more comfortable fabric presents a differentiated solution in the technical apparel and military and police protection markets. Additionally, FDCA shows great potential in coatings and adhesives, and we are actively collaborating with industry partners on validation and application cooperation.

Alex: Under the current economic scale, using pure PEF might be relatively expensive. Do you think that furan-based materials have economically viable forms that can replace traditional plastics in specific polymer blends or applications?

Zhang Yu: Certainly. We do not solely use pure PEF forms, but focus on integrating it into functional blends to extend the lifespan of furan-based materials in existing supply chains. A typical example is our thick-walled, high-transparency FDCA cosmetic bottles: by incorporating a small amount of PET, we eliminated haze, improved barrier performance, and allowed for recycling within the polyester recycling stream, thereby easily entering the high-end market.

Alex: What do you think are the biggest misconceptions that traditional plastic manufacturers have about bio-based polymers, especially PEF?

Zhang Yu: There are mainly two misconceptions: one is that "environmentally friendly" implies low performance, and the other is that switching to green materials is an extremely complex process of modification and substitution. However, through rigorous testing and co-creation with customers in application, we have demonstrated that PEF not only meets environmental goals but also surpasses PET in terms of gas barrier properties, thermal stability, and mechanical strength, while being compatible with existing production and recycling systems. The key is to turn "potential" into "reality" through technical and application validation.

Alex: Your team recently raised 100 million RMB in a Pre-A round of financing. What is the primary focus for deploying these funds?

Zhang Yu: We will expand production capacity by establishing a 10,000-ton-scale HMF/FDCA demonstration line; continue research and development to improve catalytic efficiency, reduce costs, and promote green processes; accelerate industry validation in key sectors such as packaging, fibers, specialty fibers, and coatings; and strengthen international compliance by establishing a comprehensive international regulatory framework to enable furan-based materials to enter high-standard markets.

Alex: What is the vision of Zhongke Guosheng for the next 3-5 years — is your goal licensing, direct manufacturing, or joint ventures?

Zhang Yu: Our goal is to become a global leading manufacturer of bio-based materials by building core monomer production facilities with partners and jointly creating a downstream ecosystem, providing high-performance, multifunctional, and sustainable furan-based solutions. Meanwhile, we will accelerate international expansion through various models such as patent licensing and joint ventures, formulating strategies tailored to different regions and applications.

Alex: Compared to production facilities in Europe or the United States, China is rapidly developing in biobased technology. What unique advantages or challenges do you face when conducting business in Hangzhou compared to other regions outside of Hangzhou?

Zhang Yu: China is renowned for its comprehensive industrial ecosystem, and Hangzhou, as a key hub for innovation and technology, benefits from policy support and a complete supply chain from upstream to downstream. Additionally, as the world's largest producer and consumer of polyester, China provides an ideal environment for the large-scale application of FDCA. Although we encounter challenges in our globalization efforts, we still aspire to establish deeper partnerships with global brands to create new opportunities together.

Alex: Entering the European market from China is bound to encounter some obstacles in compliance and certification. What achievements has Zhongke Guosheng Technology already made in this regard?

Zhang Yu: We have achieved full REACH registration, demonstrating the safety of FDCA to European regulatory authorities. We have also completed a life cycle assessment, showing that our FDCA reduces carbon emissions per ton by over 24% compared to ton-scale PTA. These are key steps for the global commercialization of our bio-based materials.

In a market increasingly driven by ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics and ISO20400 (Sustainable Procurement), third-party certification remains one of the most objective ways to verify product quality and gain the trust of downstream partners and global brands. These certifications are important not only for the EU market but also for China. A key compliance initiative related to FDCA is the regular registration of new chemical substances in China, which we have recently completed.

Alex: You have been working in the field of biomass and furan chemistry for nearly twenty years. What initially attracted you to this field?

Zhang Yu: From research to entrepreneurship, I have always believed that materials can change the world, and their fundamental structures determine the upper limit of performance. I believe FDCA is a true game-changer in this regard.

Alex: How do you balance your roles as a scientist, entrepreneur, and public advocate for sustainable plastics?

Zhang Yu: These three roles do not conflict—in fact, my research training drives me to focus on breakthroughs and innovation, my entrepreneurial spirit transforms theory into products, and my commitment to sustainability ensures that we continuously invest in cutting-edge technological pathways.

Alex: What advice would you give to young polymer scientists or entrepreneurs who are aspiring to innovate in this field?

Zhang Yu: Speed is not the only measure of success; direction must be precise. My biggest realization is that whether as a scientist or an entrepreneur, one must master technology and understand the market simultaneously.

Alex: Finally, apart from PEF, furan chemistry, and related work, is there anything in your personal life that touches and excites you?

Zhang Yu: I like playing football. It perfectly reflects the innovation in the materials industry: only through seamless collaboration and a clear strategy can one "score" (achieve success).

Alex: Zhang Yu, thank you for taking the time to share these interesting insights. It was a pleasure communicating with you!

As the world's largest producer and consumer of polyester, China provides an ideal environment for the large-scale application of FDCA. Although we have encountered challenges in our globalization efforts, we are still eager to establish deeper partnerships with global brands to create new opportunities together.