“Biomass fibers” will become the primary direction of future textile industry development.

　　At the meeting, the participating experts reached the following consensus through insightful presentations and vigorous discussions:

　　“Biomass fibers” are set to become the primary direction of future development in the textile industry. Experts at the conference noted that, as global petroleum resources grow increasingly scarce, China—already the world’s largest producer of synthetic fibers—will face mounting constraints on its chemical fiber output. To meet market demand, it is imperative to develop alternative resources capable of supporting both production growth and rising consumption. Under these circumstances, the economic viability of new, renewable, and biodegradable synthetic fiber feedstocks that can substitute for petroleum is becoming ever more apparent. Meanwhile, the rapid advancement of green fibers and materials centered on biomass engineering technologies is poised to usher in a new wave of innovation, driving the evolution of the synthetic fiber industry.

　　Experts also noted that, in its future development, biomass fiber will achieve “efficient resource utilization,” “environmentally friendly technologies,” and “flexible and diversified products.” “Biomass fibers and biochemical raw materials” represent a major research topic closely aligned with national strategic objectives and in line with the country’s medium- and long-term development needs, and will serve as a key direction for the textile industry over the coming years. Research on “biomass fibers” should emphasize the integration of industry, academia, and research to pursue a path of sustainable development. Experts further pointed out that domestic research on biomass fibers—particularly cellulose fibers—has distinctive strengths, with some areas reaching an internationally leading level. They recommend vigorously promoting collaboration among industry, universities, and research institutions in future studies, and implementing comprehensive planning across product raw materials, development, and utilization.

　　Some experts suggest that, in light of China’s specific national conditions, we should pursue both research and industrialization simultaneously, embarking on a diversified path for biomass energy development. This entails not only scaling up the industrial production of established biomass technologies—such as viscose fiber—but also actively exploring new methods and processes, developing biomass energy technologies through multiple channels, enhancing competitiveness, and effectively bridging the gap between scientific research and engineering application.

　　Some experts also emphasize that, in developing biomass fibers, it is essential to incorporate life-cycle assessments and conduct comprehensive evaluations of their energy, economic, and ecological impacts, thereby ensuring the healthy and sustainable development of biomass‑based energy. At the same time, they recommend that, within the national new‑energy strategy, the definition of “biomass fibers and biochemical feedstocks” and their corresponding testing methods be clearly specified. Furthermore, in terms of industrial development planning, policy support and a priority‑development approach should be implemented to accelerate commercialization and secure international certification.

　　Experts emphasize that the key to developing biomass fibers lies in aligning raw material selection with sustainable production, integrating relevant technologies with existing facilities, and linking products to end-use markets. Building on the comprehensive utilization of biochemical feedstocks, it is essential to investigate the pretreatment of biomass resources and the processes for producing chemical fibers; to establish a chemical‑product portfolio based primarily on natural cellulose feedstocks; and to advance the development of high‑performance biomass fibers, thereby providing robust support for industrialization.

　　Experts also noted that advancing fundamental research on biomass fibers and biochemical raw materials requires large‑scale, multidisciplinary collaboration. This technology will inevitably follow an integrated development path, presenting a significant opportunity for innovation in China’s fiber industry and constituting an essential strategic choice for the convergence of scientific progress and industrial advancement. It is imperative to vigorously pursue research into biomass fiber resources and pre‑treatment technologies, novel biomass fiber technologies, and cutting‑edge biochemical synthesis fiber technologies.