China's dust mask market reached 2.53 billion yuan last year

Smog has become a growing concern across various regions in China, drawing significant public attention. This year's "two sessions" have focused on addressing the issue of air pollution. Li Dongsheng, a National People's Congress deputy and chairman of TCL Group, proposed legislative measures to tackle smog and integrate its control into performance evaluations. Meanwhile, Li Shufu, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and chairman of Geely Holding, emphasized the need for improvements in vehicle efficiency, new energy development, technical upgrades, and consumer behavior. As environmental issues gain more traction, industries like air purifiers are experiencing rapid growth. Yuan Liqun, another NPC deputy and senior vice president of Midea Group, noted that the air purification industry is expected to maintain high growth in 2014.

Li Dongsheng made a lighthearted remark during an interview at Beijing Capital Hotel, saying, “Yesterday was hazy, today it's clear—Beijing's weather still speaks politics.” However, his proposal to revise the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Law and incorporate smog control into performance assessments reflects a serious approach. He pointed out that China lags behind developed countries in environmental technology and lacks innovation in areas like cloud computing and big data. Despite this, the demand for air purifiers is rising sharply, with sales projected to grow by 30% to 35% over the next three years. Companies like TCL have entered the market, launching air purifiers and smart air conditioning units.

Li Dongsheng also highlighted the need for industrial restructuring, especially in high-energy sectors such as steel and cement. He argued that while some companies must be phased out, the process should be gradual. He compared China’s current situation to historical experiences in London and Tokyo, where industrialization led to severe pollution. To address these challenges, he suggested improving legislation, using advanced technologies like big data, and offering policy incentives to promote green innovations.

Meanwhile, Li Shufu of Geely emphasized the importance of changing consumer attitudes and promoting electric vehicles. His proposals included increasing taxi efficiency, developing new energy cars, and updating technical standards. He also called for stricter regulations on vehicle emissions, noting that many traditional cars remain inefficient and polluting. With the government focusing on reducing yellow-licensed vehicles, the automotive industry is under pressure to adopt cleaner technologies.

Yuan Liqun of Midea highlighted the booming air purifier market, with sales surging due to increased awareness of air quality. However, she warned about the lack of standardized regulations, which has led to a flood of low-quality products. The revised national standard for air purifiers is expected to bring more order to the market. At the same time, mask manufacturers like Kang Lun Fiber have seen strong demand, driven by public concerns over PM2.5. Yet, the absence of clear guidelines has created confusion among consumers.

The rise of smog-related industries presents both opportunities and challenges. While businesses like air purifier and mask manufacturers are thriving, the sector remains unregulated and competitive. As China continues to address environmental issues, the push for clean energy and sustainable development is becoming increasingly urgent. The future of the environmental protection industry depends not only on technological advancements but also on stronger policies and consumer awareness.