This article features an Interview with Mr. Wang Shouyuan, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Yunnan Zheng Bang Technology, Conducted by Chen Huimin
Zheng Bang Technology, headquartered in Kunming with production bases in Deyang, Sichuan, and Kunming, specializes in research, development, production, and sales of high-performance polymer materials. It envisions a gradual shift from resource-oriented products to technology-oriented services. The company has established product development and promotion centers in Kunming, Japan, and the United States. In 2015, the Environmental Protection Bureau of Kunming certified Zheng Bang Technology’s project to produce 120,000 tons of eco-friendly VAE adhesive. As this project nears completion, Chen Huimin, Deputy Director of “Adhesion” magazine, conducted an interview with Chairman Wang Shouyuan, discussing the company’s journey, unique products, and insights relevant to industry professionals.
Chen Huimin: “Could you introduce your company’s current business development in the adhesive industry? What types of products do you offer, what are their characteristics, and in which sectors are they primarily used?”
Wang Shouyuan: “Zheng Bang Technology operates two main business units. The first is the PVC division, primarily focused on R&D and production of PVC suspension polymerization dispersants and specialty PVC powders. Our PVC suspension polymerization dispersants cover all varieties required for PVC polymerization, such as PVA series and cellulose series, with reactors ranging from 30m³ to 143m³, covering all reactor types for PVC polymerization. Our specialty PVC powders also cover the main specifications for domestic specialty PVC and have reached an annual production capacity of over 100,000 tons. The PVC division can provide a complete set of PVC polymerization technology. In 2008, we cooperated with China Tianchen Engineering Corporation to export a complete PVC polymerization technology package to Pakistan, making us the first Chinese company to do so. Over the years, our dispersants have gained a 60% market share in China’s PVC industry and are widely used by major PVC industry groups like China National Chemical Corporation and Xinjiang Tianye Group. The second unit is the polymer emulsion division, which focuses on VAE emulsions. The phase one project with an annual production capacity of 120,000 tons will officially start production in October. It employs DCS automatic control and more than 80% of the equipment is imported, ensuring product uniformity and stability. This project is currently the largest VAE emulsion project in China and will offer diversified choices for customers in the construction, pressure-sensitive adhesive, woodworking adhesive, paper packaging, cigarette adhesive, and coating industries, among others.”
Chen Huimin: “Successful companies have their own branded products. Could you tell us about your company’s branded products and how they are positioned?”
Wang Shouyuan: “Zheng Bang Technology produces EVA emulsions primarily focusing on customized products for downstream customers. Our goal is to create high-quality products that stand out in the market. We aim to match or exceed the quality of imported similar products, providing customers with professional quality and service. Customer-centricity is our core objective. Our products cater to both domestic and international markets, including Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe.”
Chen Huimin: “In your understanding, what does it mean for a company to be market-oriented and offer differentiated services?”
Wang Shouyuan: “Companies that are not market-oriented will eventually be eliminated by competitive markets. To be market-oriented, we must constantly think from the customer’s perspective and provide customized solutions tailored to their needs. We need to deeply understand customer requirements, and our upcoming VAE emulsion project reflects this approach. We require every technical salesperson to focus on market applications and provide timely technical support and solutions for customers. Differentiated services also represent customer value. Expanding differentiated services means delivering the technical and service support that different customer groups truly need at different levels, fostering long-term partnerships, and achieving the sustainable development of the enterprise.”
Chen Huimin: “Your company’s development goal is to transform Zheng Bang Technology into a globally competitive specialty chemical company. What do you think is most important in the transition from a private enterprise to an international company? How can you gradually surpass foreign companies and substitute foreign products?”
Wang Shouyuan: “To build a specialized global chemical company, two aspects are crucial: internationalized mindset and internationalized vision. Talent is the driving force for any company, and professional talent with an international perspective is essential for establishing an internationalized chemical company.”
“Specialization stems from focus,” and “details determine success or failure.” VAE emulsion, as an extension of vinyl acetate, must start from the source of basic products. Thus, quality control begins with the raw materials. To achieve high-quality downstream products, the source materials must be controlled effectively. We aim to maximize efficiency and value, not just add to it. Zheng Bang Technology has been gaining recognition in the international market. For example, we have begun OEM production for certain Japanese companies, which demonstrates the recognition of our production management and product quality. This is our first step towards internationalization.
Chen Huimin: “Internationalization undoubtedly requires the integration of advanced domestic and foreign technologies. Can you discuss how your company combines local and foreign businesses and integrates technical innovation with business innovation?”
Wang Shouyuan: “Each year, the company invests over 6% of its revenue in research and development. We are working to integrate more robust global resources and harness different regional advantages to establish the Zheng Bang Technology laboratory. In addition to being an open high-pressure laboratory, it also serves as a high-performance polymer material analysis and evaluation center, with equipment from top global brands used in experiments of all sizes. The laboratory’s mission is to attract global innovative talent in the chemical industry, providing a platform for creative researchers to promote technology transfer, contribute to industry optimization and technological progress, and build a sustainable project and talent reserve for the chemical industry’s development.”
Chen Huimin: “In addition to products, rapid corporate development also relies on corporate culture and talent management. You could say you’ve witnessed the company’s growth. In your view, what is the charm of your company’s corporate culture?”
Wang Shouyuan: “Zheng Bang Technology’s core values are “Respect, Trust, Social Responsibility.” First, respect; in simple terms, I believe respect means being a self-disciplined individual and a respected company. Businesses should respect their employees, suppliers, and competitors, which is a principle we have always practiced. A market should foster healthy competition for societal development. Throughout our more than ten years of development, we have never owed a cent to our suppliers, and keeping our promises is a fundamental principle. I believe this is a form of genuine respect and integrity, which is the foundation of a company’s survival. Second, trust; “Don’t doubt people, and don’t doubt the people you employ.” We have a philosophy in our company that all employees form our big family, and we should trust them fully, providing a platform for them to unleash their potential. Even if there are mistakes, we see them as part of the learning process. Third, social responsibility; as a chemical company, we prioritize the environmental friendliness of our products during production and use. This is not only our responsibility to society but also a prerequisite for our long-term sustainability.”
Chen Huimin: “As a leader in the company, what has been your deepest realization over these years? What are your management insights and experiences? What do you believe it takes to be a successful leader in a company?”
Wang Shouyuan: “Firstly, I believe in the power of setting an example. Leading by example is essential for leaders in the company. We should work even harder than our employees and be more diligent, setting a role model for them to follow. Secondly, we place great importance on talent cultivation and reserves, striving to create platforms for them to showcase their talents to the fullest. Whether as individuals or companies, we should always remember the social responsibility we bear.”
Chen Huimin: “Environmental protection, safety, and sustainability are highly emphasized in the adhesive industry and by companies today. We understand that your company has always adhered to the concept of “sustainable operation.” Can you talk about your company’s successful experiences and cases in this regard?”
Wang Shouyuan: “The methods may change, but the principles remain the same.” As a chemical company, social responsibility is our top consideration. I believe that environmental protection involves two aspects. Internally, it means creating a safe working environment for employees. Externally, it means strictly adhering to safety rules and designing operating procedures to control emissions. Our wastewater treatment currently meets Grade 1A standards, with COD/BOD levels below 50mg/L, achieving zero discharge. Our quality management system follows ISO 9001 standards, our environmental management system adheres to ISO 14001 standards, and our occupational health and safety management system complies with OHSAS 18001 standards. We also design and construct according to the strictest standards, with key indicators surpassing those of similar international companies. Secondly, we aim to produce environmentally friendly products and fulfill our social responsibilities. Our upcoming annual production of 120,000 tons of environmentally friendly adhesives includes a biological ethylene raw material production line and four emulsion production lines. The raw materials for the VAE emulsion project are derived from Yunnan’s unique sugar syrup and cassava fermentation-produced ethanol, used to produce bioethylene and downstream derivative products. By using all-natural ingredients, we can ensure the production of the safest and most environmentally friendly products.
Chen Huimin: “Many say that the international situation this year is not good, approaching the 2008 financial crisis. How do you view the development prospects of the adhesive industry currently? Additionally, what is your company’s positioning and development plan for the adhesive industry in the future?”
Wang Shouyuan: “The international economic environment this year is indeed challenging. Due to excess capacity in multiple industries and sustained low demand, few chemical industry companies have reported profits this year. Most are facing industrial upgrades, structural adjustments, or transformations. However, within every “crisis,” there are potential “opportunities.” In the current economic environment, investing significantly in new projects may seem puzzling to many. Still, it encourages us to seek the best process routes from the very beginning, uncover innovative potential, optimize every aspect, minimize costs, and reduce consumption. We believe that the market awaiting us will eventually turn favorable. We are willing to work with our peers in the industry, bearing our social responsibilities in mind, to strive for industry upgrades, innovative development, and promote the sustainable development of the entire sector. Finally, I would like to convey Zheng Bang Technology’s respect to colleagues in the adhesive industry and wish all companies continued growth and prosperity, achieving even better results!”
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