By Song Hongmei (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2007-09-11 17:06

China's regulators aren't likely to approve new float glass projects in eastern coastal regions and central regions, given regional development strategy and ongoing industrial technology upgrades, the Shanghai Securities News reported today.

Glass makers in these regions are required to shift their focus to technological renovation of their current production lines, according to the Criteria for Access to Float Glass Industry, rules which took effect yesterday.

No new projects, with the exception of new production lines for special and high quality float glass products and also relying on large group companies with the central government’s support, will be approved, according to the access criteria.

The document sets strict standards for access to the industry, ranging from the layout of enterprises, techniques and facilities, product variety and quality to energy consumption and environmental protection. Production safety and social responsibility standards are also among the criteria.

Earlier, the National Development and Reform Commission, China's top industrial watchdog, said in a circular that local governments should take measures to accelerate the elimination of outdated float glass production.

To upgrade the float glass industry, save energy, and reduce pollution, China will close glass production facilities with a total capacity of 12 million weight boxes by the end of this year. A total 30 million weight boxes will be eliminated from production by 2010.

Between January and April, float glass output rose 15.6 percent from the same period a year earlier, according to a report released by Industrial Securities.