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

Smog has become a growing concern across various regions in China, drawing increasing public attention. This year’s “two sessions” have made air pollution one of the central topics. Li Dongsheng, a National People's Congress deputy and chairman of TCL Group, called for legislative measures to address smog and incorporate haze control into performance evaluation systems. Similarly, Li Shufu, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and CEO of Geely Holding, emphasized the need for improvements in vehicle efficiency, new energy research, technical upgrades, and shifts in consumer behavior. Amid these environmental challenges, industries like air purifiers are experiencing rapid growth. Yuan Liqun, another NPC deputy and senior vice president of Midea Group, predicted continued high growth in the air purification sector in 2014.

Li Dongsheng, a National People's Congress deputy and chairman of TCL Group, humorously remarked, “Yesterday was hazy, today is clear—Beijing’s weather still speaks politics.” While his comment drew laughter, it highlighted the serious issue of smog control. In his proposals for the “two sessions,” he urged revisions to the “Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Law” and the inclusion of haze governance in performance evaluations. He also pointed out that China lags behind developed countries in environmental technology development, with low support, long implementation cycles, and weak innovation in eco-friendly products. However, the rise of smog has created new business opportunities. According to Ovid Consulting, the air purifier market in China is expected to grow by 30-35% annually over the next three years, reaching up to 34 million units by 2016.

TCL entered the air purifier market in 2012, expanding its product line to include water purifiers and air conditioners with purification features. Although Li Dongsheng did not disclose exact sales figures, he confirmed that the business is performing well. The company plans to expand its health product offerings and establish a new health industry base this year. Meanwhile, Li Dongsheng expressed concerns about high-energy-consuming industries, such as steel and cement production, which contribute significantly to pollution. He advocated for a balanced approach to industrial restructuring rather than abrupt shutdowns.

Historically, cities like London and Tokyo faced similar environmental crises during their industrialization phases. As China continues to develop rapidly, it now faces significant environmental challenges. Li Dongsheng emphasized the need for improved legislation, including the revision of the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Law, which has not been updated since 2000. The revised law is expected to be submitted to the NPC Standing Committee this year.

Li Shufu, from Geely Holding, focused on four areas for environmental governance: improving vehicle operational efficiency, accelerating new energy vehicle R&D, upgrading technical standards, and changing consumer attitudes. His proposals included reforming the taxi industry to reduce private car usage and promote cleaner transportation. He also stressed the importance of developing electric vehicles and improving consumer awareness of environmentally friendly models. With government support, the automotive industry is moving toward greener technologies, offering new growth opportunities.

Yuan Liqun of Midea Group noted that the air purification industry is booming, with sales rising sharply in 2014. Despite the high demand, challenges remain, including supply chain bottlenecks and inconsistent industry standards. She called for the revision of national air purifier standards to ensure quality and fairness. Industry experts predict that the air purification market could reach 100 billion yuan by 2020, becoming a key driver for home appliance companies.

The mask industry has also seen rapid growth, driven by rising PM2.5 concerns. Zhao Danqing of Kang Lun Fiber reported strong sales of his Green Shield PM2.5 masks, with millions sold in just two years. However, the lack of standardized regulations has led to market confusion and counterfeit products. Experts warn that without proper standards, consumer trust and safety cannot be ensured.

As smog becomes more frequent, it has spurred changes in policy and industry. Energy structure adjustments, new energy development, and environmental protection initiatives are gaining momentum. The “smog economy” has created new opportunities, but whether these will last depends on long-term solutions and sustainable policies.