More manufacturers jump on the 'green' bandwagon amid stricter export regulations, growing alternatives and rising demand.

Treading the 'green' path is on the rise among manufacturers in China, albeit at different levels of adoption. Be it in the garment, jewelry, stationery, paint or consumer electronics industries, more companies are adopting ecologically safe materials, including recycled substitutes.

Suppliers are motivated by two main factors. Most are compelled to do so because of increasingly stringent product regulations in their key export destinations, namely the EU and the US. RoHS (Restrictions of Hazardous Substances), for example, curb the use of elements and compounds that are perilous to the environment. Among these are lead and cadmium. Although the EU directive applies only to electronics products, makers in other industries such as fashion jewelry are taking heed and dispensing with these substances.

A few are tapping the eco-trend as a marketing tool to help them move into upscale manufacturing, away from the cutthroat competition of the low end. Because there is a premium attached to green models, companies can charge 5 to 50% more for these items.

Natural, Sustainable Alternatives

Apart from ensuring components are free from toxins, many companies are incorporating materials that are grown with as little impact on the environment as possible.

Cotton farmers are the leading users of insecticide globally, accounting for 16% of total consumption. Organic cotton that is cultivated without toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers promotes healthier products, preserves biodiversity and reduces the amount of noxious chemicals which seep into the environment.

Tencel, which is a brand of regenerated cellulose fiber made from dissolved wood pulp, is another eco-friendly material that is often used in pants and in coats. It is normally mixed with cotton at a ratio of up to 1:3.

Rayon from bamboo is also incorporated in the production of garments. Aside from being biodegradable, it is one of the most efficient natural fibers in terms of moisture absorption and breathability.

Other natural materials that makers are turning to are silk, bamboo charcoal, and soybean and milk protein fibers.

Apart from the textile application, bamboo is being employed as an alternative to wood, which is currently in short supply. Some makers have even found ways to reshape the naturally hollow and cylindrical plant by processing it in high-pressure machines.

Bamboo's short maturity cycle, wide availability, and proven strength and durability make the material not only an ecologically safer option to wood, but also a more profitable one.

Recycled Substitutes

Wood pulp, the most common material for making paper, has been linked to a number of environmental issues, including deforestation, and air and water pollution. This has prompted suppliers to turn to earth-friendly alternatives, which are becoming increasingly available. Among these are non-wood pulp paper, including cotton, bamboo and reed pulp, as well as bagasse and stone variants.

Recycled paper such as the kraft type is also a green option. In terms of quality, recycled paper holds up against conventional versions. It has some usage limitations, however, including unsuitability for color printing.

"Although products made of eco-friendly paper are priced higher, the acceptance of customers is high. Both our old and new customers place orders actively for such products," said Wang Hao of Zhejiang Guangbo Group Co. Ltd, a stationery maker.

Toy makers cited recycled sawdust, which is usually discarded as a wood byproduct, as a suitable substitute material. Apart from yielding environmental benefits, it improves crack- and heat-resistant properties in toys such as role-play sets. Being easier to process than wood, this alternative also has a shorter production time and simpler molding procedures.

In the beauty and cosmetics line, the trend is reflected in the simpler and recycled or recyclable packaging being adopted by many makers. Refills are likewise being promoted with greater frequency.

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