To further deepen exchanges and cooperation with foreign-invested enterprises in China’s building materials sector, Liu Jianhua, Vice President of the China Building Materials Federation (CBMF), led a delegation to Shanghai from March 26 to 28. The delegation conducted field visits to leading foreign companies including Covestro (Germany), Sika (Switzerland), LIXIL (Japan), and Saint-Gobain (France). In-depth discussions were held on topics such as corporate operations, future development plans, challenges in the business environment, as well as green and low-carbon development, intelligent manufacturing, technological innovation, and sustainability.
During the visit to Covestro, the delegation toured the company’s showroom to learn about Covestro’s investments in China and the development and application of new technologies and products. A meeting was held with Lu Weiguo, Vice President of Sustainability and Public Affairs for the Asia-Pacific region, and Jiang Tao, Manager of Industry Advocacy and Sustainability, Asia-Pacific. Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on the application of insulation materials in buildings, the further promotion of ultra-low energy building standards, building renovation and urban renewal, and the creation of a transparent and orderly business environment.
At Sika, the delegation visited the Sika Senai Waterproofing Factory and gained insights into Sika’s operations and strategic planning in China, along with the company’s sustainability philosophy and achievements. Zhang Yejiong, President of Sika China, reaffirmed the company’s strong confidence in the Chinese market and its commitment to further investment. He also expressed hope for closer cooperation with CBMF to advance corporate carbon reduction and contribute to achieving net-zero emissions across the industry. Other participants in the meeting included Jiang Binsong, Vice President and Head of the Manufacturing Division; Liu Jianghong, Vice President and Head of R&D; Ji Gong, Head of the Building Strategy Department; and Lu Weiqiang, Sustainability Manager.
During the visit to LIXIL, the delegation toured the company’s factory and explored its concrete initiatives in developing environmentally friendly, water-saving, and elderly-friendly products, as well as optimizing manufacturing processes to promote sustainability. The two sides exchanged views on technological innovation, brand development, and resource recycling. The delegation was deeply impressed by LIXIL’s commitment to product quality, spirit of innovation, and lean management practices. Meeting participants included Ni Yonglin, Plant Manager of LIXIL Shanghai; Yu Chunxiang, Office Director; Hu Chunlin, Production and Operations Manager; and Lu Yi, External Affairs Representative.
At Saint-Gobain, the delegation visited the Asia-Pacific R&D Center in Shanghai and held discussions with Simon Fourniau, Managing Director of Construction Chemicals North Asia; Liu Shuang, Marketing Director of Building Materials Asia-Pacific; and Liu Chunping, Business Director of Construction Chemicals China. The discussions focused on Saint-Gobain’s initiatives in sustainability, low-carbon material development, and its roadmap toward net-zero emissions by 2050. Both parties also exchanged views on emerging business segments with growth potential and the development of carbon markets.
Through these on-site visits and discussions, the foreign-invested companies expressed strong recognition of CBMF’s industry development vision of “Superior products and advanced industry, for the benefit of mankind” and the initiative to promote “Zero” factories. Their net-zero commitments align closely with CBMF’s goals for a comprehensive green transformation. It is hoped that, through the collaborative platform established by CBMF, closer cooperation between domestic and foreign enterprises, as well as coordinated development across the industry value chain, can be fostered to jointly promote green, low-carbon, and high-quality development of the building materials industry.
Edited by: Zhang Hanwen
Reviewed by: Li Yuemei, Shen Yulu
