Beijing rubber factories’ short-lived ‘APEC blue’

Beijing, China - Factories in Beijing and nearby provinces were temporarily shut down or ordered to limit production during the APEC  (Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation) events held in October and November to clear the smog over the city.

Huateng Rubber Plastic & Latex Products in Beijing and rubber additives maker Yanggu Huatai Chemical in Shandong and are among the over 2,000 companies reportedly under impact.

The clear sky, dubbed ‘APEC blue’, disappeared when most of the companies resumed production after the events.

China's National Development and Reform Commission said on 25 Nov that ‘a permanent APEC Blue’ may be achieved by 2030.