Core Insights - The article discusses the transformation of the chemical industry in Shandong, focusing on the integration of circular economy principles to enhance both environmental and economic benefits [19][20][21]. Economic Development - The Shandong chemical industry is implementing a circular economy model, which allows waste materials from one company to be used as raw materials for another, creating a closed-loop system [21][22]. - In 2024, the Diao Town Chemical Industrial Park achieved sales revenue of 25.93 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 8.73%, and an industrial output value of 23.42 billion yuan, also up by 8.75% [23]. Technological Innovation - The Saint Spring Group has developed new technologies to convert waste by-products into valuable resources, significantly reducing waste disposal costs and generating additional revenue [19][20]. - The company has improved the utilization rate of waste liquid from 60% to 85% through technological adjustments, leading to a 20% reduction in treatment costs compared to traditional methods [18][19]. Environmental Impact - The integration of industrial waste heat into the heating supply for urban areas demonstrates the effective use of resources, providing clean heating for approximately 30 million square meters in eastern Jinan [22]. - The article highlights the importance of technological innovation in achieving environmental benefits while maintaining economic viability, challenging the notion that environmental protection must come at a financial loss [19][20]. Policy and Strategy - Shandong is committed to implementing the major national strategy for ecological protection and high-quality development along the Yellow River, focusing on green and low-carbon development [23]. - The province has seen a significant increase in the number of national-level green factories and industrial parks, ranking first in the country for the number of green manufacturing units [23].

Core Insights - The transformation of the Diaozhen Chemical Industrial Park in Jinan represents a successful case of turning waste into valuable resources, aligning with the national strategy for ecological protection and high-quality development along the Yellow River [3][11]. Group 1: Waste-to-Resource Initiatives - The collaboration between Shengquan Group and Guangda Water has led to the development of a new biomass carbon source from waste liquid, increasing the utilization rate from 60% to 85% [3][5]. - The new carbon source reduces treatment costs by 20% compared to traditional sources, demonstrating significant cost savings and efficiency improvements [4][5]. - Shengquan Group's environmental department has shifted from a cost center to a revenue-generating unit, showcasing a successful transition in mindset towards circular economy principles [6][7]. Group 2: Systematic Circular Economy - The Diaozhen Chemical Industrial Park has established a resource exchange network, allowing waste from one company to serve as raw material for another, creating a closed-loop system [9][10]. - The park's approach includes utilizing industrial waste heat for district heating, providing a green solution for urban heating needs [10]. - In 2024, the park is projected to achieve sales revenue of 25.93 billion yuan, with an 8.73% year-on-year growth, indicating the economic benefits of the circular economy model [10]. Group 3: Broader Industry Impact - Shandong Province is actively implementing the national strategy for ecological protection and green development, with significant achievements in energy efficiency and the establishment of green factories and industrial parks [11]. - The province's efforts have resulted in a notable increase in the proportion of high-energy industries meeting efficiency benchmarks, exceeding targets set for the 14th Five-Year Plan [11].