As ESG principles continue to reshape the global manufacturing landscape, Bright Laser Technologies (BLT) stands out as a long-time practitioner of sustainable innovation. In its newly released 2024 ESG Highlights, BLT details the progress it has made in integrating environmental responsibility, social impact, and strong governance across its operations.

From materials R&D and the design and manufacture of equipment to customer-focused additive solutions, ESG principles are embedded at the core of BLT’s strategy—supporting a low-carbon, sustainable, and inclusive future for advanced manufacturing.

Environment: Driving Sustainable Manufacturing at Every Stage

BLT integrates sustainability into every step of its metal additive manufacturing process. Using powder bed fusion, the technology primarily consumes inert gases and electricity, with almost no harmful emissions released. Compared to traditional subtractive methods, the systems run quieter and use energy more efficiently. This combination not only cuts down environmental impact but also supports more resource-conscious production — making these 3D printing solutions a natural fit for industries aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.

In 2024, BLT advanced its commitment to green manufacturing with the development and launch of a fully automated production line, officially put into operation in March 2025 after nine months of internal testing.

The system integrates powder circulating, cleaning, and waste recovery modules into a closed-loop workflow, enabling efficient powder supply, reuse, and sieving throughout the production cycle. This comprehensive approach minimizes raw material waste and reduces emissions at the source. Additionally, the process includes argon gas recovery, further contributing to the company’s efforts to lower its carbon footprint.

According to BLT’s internal data, producing 1 kg of ready-to-use metal powder using a recycled material process results in just 8.09 kg of CO₂ emissions — a 56.5% reduction compared to traditional methods. When argon gas recovery is added to the process, total emissions can be cut by as much as 80%.

BLT incorporates additive manufacturing into the design and production of its own machines and systems. By 3D printing over ten types of structural and functional components—such as brackets, joints, and mounts—the company not only reduces material consumption and environmental impact from traditional manufacturing, but also enhances system and machine performance in key areas like Z-axis motion, powder recoating, and gas circulation.

BLT has been a pioneer in developing large-format, multi-laser metal AM machines and systems. Its lineup includes machines and systems equipped with 6 to 32 lasers—such as the BLT-S400 (6 lasers), BLT-S450 (8 lasers), BLT-S600 (16 lasers), BLT-S825 (24 lasers), and the BLT-S1025 (32 lasers). multi-laser configurations significantly shorten build times, boost throughput, and improve machine and system utilization, supporting more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective serial production.

BLT continues to improve process efficiency through innovations such as large layer thickness printing (supporting 100 μm, 120 μm, and 150 μm) and support-free strategies for complex geometries. These advancements not only enhance material utilization and printing speed but also reduce energy consumption. Notably, BLT’s team has successfully achieved support-free printing for horizontal structures up to 100 mm in diameter, enabling faster, more sustainable production of large internal channels and overhangs.

In materials development, BLT has continued to broaden its range of high-performance, application-specific powders. In March 2024, BLT’s titanium alloy powder for dental applications received Class III medical device registration from China’s National Medical Products Administration, the country’s highest regulatory certification for critical medical devices.

This milestone advances greener 3D printing solutions in dentistry by reducing material waste and pollution compared to traditional manufacturing. In June, BLT expanded its portfolio further with new powders designed for metal injection molding (MIM) and directed energy deposition (DED) processes, including BLT-MIM Ti, BLT-Ti65, and BLT-Ti64 ELI, providing customers across industries with more sustainable material options.

Footwear mold manufacturing: BLT has partnered with companies such as Zhongke Fengyang and Wanbang Footwear to advance smart production using its BLT-A400 machines. Through integrated additive manufacturing workflows, powder utilization rates have increased to over 95%. Compared to traditional manufacturing, metal additive manufacturing significantly reduces chemical use, tooling costs, and carbon emissions—by as much as 48%, according to a Yale University study evaluating the environmental impact of 3D-printed shoes.

Cycling: With support from BLT’s metal additive manufacturing technology and equipment, the client TSB successfully developed a 3D printed titanium bike frame. The use of AM reduced the production cycle by 30% and cut material waste by over 20%, enabling faster turnaround and more sustainable production.

Commercial Aerospace: BLT has supported the development of reusable iSpace LOX-methane rockets and solid-fuel launch systems by leveraging metal additive manufacturing. This approach eliminates the need for traditional tooling, significantly shortens production lead times, and boosts material utilization from just 10–20% to over 90%—a shift that aligns with data from the IEA’s Global Energy & CO₂ Status Report (2023). These capabilities are accelerating the growth of the commercial aerospace sector.

Robotics: In collaboration with Haptron Scientific, BLT used topology optimization to eliminate unnecessary material in key robotic components, achieving a 20–30% weight reduction. This not only improved part efficiency but also reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions during both manufacturing and end-use.

Cutting Tools: BLT uses integrated additive manufacturing to produce milling cutter bodies and tool holders. Through design optimization, the tools deliver longer service life, reducing the frequency of replacement, conserving materials, and minimising production waste.

Social Responsibility: Fostering Inclusive Growth and Talent Development
BLT is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and empowering workplace. In 2024, the company hosted 398 training sessions covering general knowledge, technical skills, onboarding, and corporate culture. For new hires and high-potential employees, BLT implemented comprehensive development programs that combined instructor-led sessions, hands-on training, interactive workshops, and cross-functional rotations—supporting well-rounded growth and long-term career development.

BLT also made significant progress in infrastructure development and industrial collaboration. Its Phase III expansion, comprising 250,000 square meters of new facilities, is now fully under construction across Blocks B, C, and D. Meanwhile, the Phase IV site (Block E), which began construction in May 2023, is scheduled for completion by December 2024 and will soon enter the machines and systems installation and commissioning phase. Once completed, these projects will substantially increase BLT’s production capacity and further support scalable, sustainable manufacturing.

In 2024, BLT established two wholly owned subsidiaries to expand and reinforce its core operations. One of these entities focuses on developing a dedicated production line for metal powders used in additive manufacturing. Once operational, the facility is expected to boost BLT’s annual powder production capacity to 3,000 tons per year. These strategic investments not only enhance the company’s position within the global AM supply chain but also contribute to regional economic development and job creation.

BLT actively supports education and innovation through long-term philanthropic initiatives. The company has established the “BLT Scholarship” and “BLT Program” to fund academic achievement and student innovation projects. In addition, BLT collaborates with university racing and electric vehicle teams—such as the HRT racing team—by providing advanced metal 3D printing solutions and engineering support. These efforts reflect BLT’s ongoing commitment to talent development, research advancement, and the promotion of next-generation engineering excellence.

03 / Governance
R&D remains a strategic priority at BLT. In 2024, the company invested RMB 2.11 billion (approximately USD 290 million) in research and development, representing 15.94% of its annual revenue. By year-end, BLT had filed 646 patent applications and held 375 active patents. R&D professionals accounted for around 23.6% of the total workforce, with 57.4% holding a master’s degree or above.

In data security and intellectual property (IP) management, BLT leverages integrated digital systems to ensure full lifecycle oversight of technical and production data. In 2024, the company conducted 32 training sessions to strengthen employee awareness of workplace safety, data confidentiality, and IP protection.

BLT enforces a strict anti-bribery policy that prohibits all forms of commercial bribery from suppliers and partners. The company has established risk control protocols and whistleblower mechanisms to safeguard business integrity. It also continues to strengthen its corporate governance structure, internal controls, and risk management framework to ensure transparent and compliant operations.

Looking ahead, BLT will continue to drive progress through sustainable innovation in additive manufacturing. By deepening its commitment across environmental responsibility, social impact, and strong corporate governance, the company aims to support high-quality growth across the industrial landscape and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future for advanced manufacturing.