The Shandong Provincial Laboratory of Advanced Materials and Green Manufacturing, also known as the Huang-Bohai Laboratory, has significantly boosted the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry in the region through the establishment of joint laboratories with enterprises, yielding research outcomes.

In 2021, polyurethane resin producer Huada Chem Group faced challenges in environmental flame-retardant technology. "We learned that the Huang-Bohai Laboratory has a comprehensive research system and immediately established a joint laboratory with them, fully integrating the laboratory's strengths in basic research and Huada's industrial expertise, ultimately overcoming this challenge," said a company executive.

According to the head of the Huang-Bohai Laboratory, the collaborative model of the joint laboratory has shortened the conversion cycle of research results from 5-8 years to 2-3 years, creating a replicable model of industry-academia collaboration and innovation.

As one of the first provincial laboratories initiated and constructed in Shandong province, the Huang-Bohai Laboratory focuses on two major areas — new materials and green manufacturing, helping companies transition toward low-carbon production. Currently, it has appointed four "industrial technical researchers" and established 11 joint laboratories or technology centers with enterprises.

The research outcomes of the joint laboratories have already demonstrated significant effects when adopted by collaborating companies, driving an overall increase in the sales value of companies by 1 billion yuan ($138 million).

To date, the Huang-Bohai Laboratory has signed technology service contracts with 45 companies and universities in Shandong province, totaling over 35 million yuan.