In Gaocheng City, Shandong Province, a circular agricultural model has been successfully established through the "corn chain" system. This model begins with farmers growing corn, which is then collected by enterprises to produce functional sugars. The leftover biomass from this process is further processed using bio-refinery technology to generate fuel ethanol or replace coal for power generation, or even be returned to farmers as materials for cultivating edible mushrooms. Afterward, the spent mushroom substrate is used as fertilizer, completing the cycle and returning nutrients back to the land. Huang Jinzhong, the municipal party secretary, emphasized that Luancheng City, recognized as a demonstration area for circular economy in the province, has continuously explored ecological and economic development models based on its natural resources. This approach has not only transformed traditional agricultural practices but also brought about economic, social, and environmental benefits.
In Yucheng City, corncobs, once considered waste, are now being utilized to extract xylitol. Leveraging abundant local agricultural resources such as corn and corncobs, the city has partnered with institutions like the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shandong University to develop high-tech biotechnologies. These efforts have led to the production of various functional sugars, including oligosaccharides, xylose, and erythritol. Yucheng has become the first in the country to achieve industrial-scale production of these products, extending the value chain of corn significantly. Additionally, biogas generated from wastewater treatment is used to power electricity projects, while corn starch is used to create L-lactic acid and polylactic acid—bioplastics known for their full biodegradability, offering a promising solution to global plastic pollution.
The city processes over 1 million tons of corn and 500,000 tons of corn kernels annually, supporting more than 200 million acres of high-quality corn cultivation. Each corncob contributes over 100 million yuan to farmers yearly, earning Yucheng the title of "China's Functional Sugar City" from the China Light Industry Federation.
Biomass waste from the sugar industry is also being repurposed. Through the "biological refining" concept, Yucheng has introduced technologies to convert corn cob residue into fuel ethanol. For every 3.8 tons of corncob waste, one ton of fuel ethanol can be produced. Moreover, the city has pioneered a biomass thermoelectric project, where corncob waste replaces coal for power generation. The Xinhuan Thermal Power Company’s 15 MW biomass cogeneration project generates 450 million kilowatt-hours annually, showcasing sustainable energy solutions.
After producing functional sugars, the remaining corncob waste is used as a nutrient base for growing edible mushrooms. This initiative supports over 1,600 specialized mushroom households, and the spent mushroom substrate is later recycled as fertilizer, forming a closed-loop system. This "complementary chain" approach ensures efficient resource utilization and waste reduction.
To further support the circular economy, Yucheng has built a platform for agricultural circular development. The city aims to enhance the provincial-level high-tech development zone in Ganzhou, focusing on technical research and brand promotion. It has scientifically divided regions to encourage waste and energy exchanges among enterprises, reducing costs and promoting mutual benefits. A comprehensive resource utilization library has been established, with strict environmental assessments and prioritized placement of recycling projects. The city has also attracted numerous "complementary chain" enterprises, fostering innovation and collaboration.
Currently, Yucheng hosts five state-level high-tech enterprises, 21 provincial-level ones, and 26 enterprise technology centers. Institutions like the National Functional Sugar Public Laboratory and the National Sugar Engineering Research Center play key roles in advancing circular economy technologies.
Through deep processing of corn, Yucheng has created a complete recycling industrial chain, achieving a full cycle from "land to land." Projects such as cellulosic ethanol and biomass power generation have elevated the city’s circular economy to a higher level, shaping a development pattern characterized by low energy consumption, high output, low emissions, high efficiency, large-scale cycles, and sustainability. Since the start of the year, energy consumption per 10,000 yuan of GDP in Yucheng has dropped by 5.1%, electricity consumption by 5.2%, and energy use per 10,000 yuan of industrial output above designated size has decreased by 5.4%.
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