A Tiny Township at the Forefront of Global Toothbrush Production

P. R. CHINA: In a remarkable display of industrial specialization, a small township in eastern China has established itself as a global powerhouse in toothbrush manufacturing. According to an article published by Xinhua News, the township of Hangji in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, produces a staggering one-third of the world’s toothbrushes, exporting to over 80 countries and regions.

Toothbrush Legacy

Hangji’s toothbrush manufacturing heritage dates back to the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), when a farmer improved the design by incorporating pig bristles. The article cites Shuguang, established in 1976, as one of the oldest factories in the township. Tu Xinye, a third-generation worker at Shuguang, shared his experience:

“Many senior workers were my father’s colleagues and watched me grow up. So we have the senior workers paired up with the younger ones and teach them skills.”

To stay competitive, companies like Shuguang have embraced innovation. In 2019, the company unveiled a biodegradable toothbrush with a straw handle at an expo in Frankfurt, Germany. Responding to a client’s request for a higher biodegradation rate, Tu Xinye’s team explored different materials, ultimately settling on polylactic acid. As Tu Xinye recounted:

“After repeated attempts, they finally managed to ensure the toughness of the toothbrush handles and the resilience of the bristles.”

Global Reach

The oral-care products from Hangji have found their way into diverse markets, from European clinics and luxury hotels in Dubai to China’s research icebreaker Xuelong, used during Antarctic expeditions. This global reach has contributed significantly to the township’s prosperity and job creation.

According to Yu Hong, an official with the Hangji Township, the toothbrush industry has generated approximately 30,000 jobs for workers from other regions. Lin Qing, a disabled worker from Fujian Province, expressed his gratitude:

“I am grateful to the factory, where I can earn both a salary and a sense of achievement.”

Hangji’s success showcases the benefits of industrial agglomeration, where specialized towns and counties can leverage their expertise to expand markets, attract research collaborations, and enhance product competitiveness. As Zhang Shiyu, an official with the Hangji high-tech industrial development zone, noted, such “characteristic industries” can accelerate development and boost economic growth.