Shanghai, China – September 25, 2025 – Lubrizol, a global leader in specialty chemicals, released its latest white paper, “How Material Science Empowers High-Quality Development in China’s Clear Aligner Industry,” at Medtec China, the premier exhibition for medical device design and manufacturing. Centered on “Value Chain Collaboration and Innovation,” the white paper highlights how advancements in material science drive improved clinical outcomes and optimize supply chain synergistic effects within the clear aligner sector. It offers strategic insights and guidance for the continued development of China’s clear aligner industry. This initiative underscores Lubrizol’s commitment to serving global markets and customers.

The white paper addresses key challenges and emerging trends, highlighting the importance of fostering a collaborative ecosystem, breaking down interdisciplinary barriers, and enhancing coordination across the spectrum, including raw material R&D, film processing, and treatment planning. These efforts are essential for achieving co-creation, successful product innovation, and shared value.

Jane Cai, Senior Business Director for Engineered Polymers & Medical Solutions, Lubrizol Asia Pacific, commented: "The clear aligners industry integrates multidisciplinary expertise and involves a complex industrial chain. Through this white paper, we build bridges for industry collaboration, unite wisdom and strength from different segments, and support the development of a unified, more efficient ecosystem—ultimately elevating both industry innovation and patient experience."

Key market insights from Lubrizol’s white paper include:

Patient-centered innovation fuels clinical advancement: Advances in technology and rising clinical expectations are driving higher standards for product reliability, efficacy, and patient experience. The use of functional polymers and 3D printing technology enables aligners to offer greater adaptability and personalized treatment, resulting in improved outcomes for complex cases.
Materials science broadens application boundaries: Beyond traditional tooth movement, the industry is exploring new opportunities with integrated value-added features such as gum sensitivity relief, teeth whitening, and antibacterial properties, enabling more efficient and comprehensive oral care management. Innovative applications, such as whitening aligners, are emerging as new growth drivers in the oral care sector.
Global expansion and supply chain integration accelerate growth: Leading brands are expanding internationally and pursuing mergers and acquisitions to enhance competitiveness, while deepening collaboration across the value chain to build resilient, efficient global supply chains, facilitating smoother market access and supporting long-term growth.

As market demands continue to evolve, material suppliers are facing increasingly higher expectations. The paper emphasizes that materials science is a key driver of high-quality development. Beyond product reliability, treatment efficiency, and patient experience, materials suppliers are encouraged to collaborate on regulatory compliance, supply chain optimization, and collaborative innovation. Such coordinated efforts are essential for building an efficient ecosystem that supports sustainable growth across the industry.

Lu Zhang, Vice President, Engineered Polymers & Medical Solutions, stated: “As the inventor of TPU and the global leader in medical-grade TPU, Lubrizol has grown alongside the clear aligner industry from its inception to its widespread adoption today. With strengthened local supply, expanded innovation capabilities, global expertise in material science, and comprehensive compliance support, we empower our partners to accelerate market expansion, diversify applications, and achieve new growth on a global scale.”

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Lubrizol Unveils White Paper to Drive High-Quality Growth in China’s Clear Aligner Industry