The 10-billion-yuan box office success of “Nezha” offers insights into how domestic lubricant additive manufacturers can ride the wave of opportunity.

[Introduction] From “Nezha’s Uproar in the Sea” to the Breakthrough Path of “Made in China”

“Nezha: The Demon Child’s Sea Adventure” (hereinafter referred to as “Nezha 2”) has topped global box-office charts with a revenue of over ten billion yuan. Behind this remarkable achievement lies China’s animation industry’s transformation—from “looking up to” to “looking eye-to-eye,” marked by breakthroughs on three fronts: technology, culture, and the market. This phenomenal success not only bolsters confidence in the film industry but also offers valuable insights into the rise of China’s manufacturing sector—Chinese lubricant additive companies are now stepping forward with the same determination and effort to challenge the world’s four major lubricant additive giants.

Craftsmanship: Polishing Core Product Capabilities Through "Relentless Pursuit"

The success of "Nezha 2" stems from the director, Director Jiaozi's team, their relentless pursuit of perfection in every detail: a single shot was revised repeatedly up to 200 times, and each special-effects frame was meticulously refined frame by frame—ultimately resulting in an astonishing visual experience achieved through 1,900 special-effects shots. It is precisely this artisan spirit of "sitting on the bench for ten years in cold solitude" that holds the key for domestic lubricant additive companies to break through existing barriers.

• The “tenacious” path to technological breakthroughs: In China, there are numerous domestic additive companies that have long been deeply engaged in the niche field of lubricant additives, benchmarking against international standards and mastering core technologies such as compound formulation and detergents/dispersants.

• The industry consensus that quality comes first: Just as “Nezha 2” defied box office expectations through positive word-of-mouth, domestic additive manufacturers are also gradually overturning the stereotype of being “low-end and cheap” by rigorously controlling production processes and establishing comprehensive, end-to-end quality inspection systems.

Technological Innovation: A Hardcore Breakthrough from “Catching Up” to “Running Side by Side”

Among the 2,400 shots in "Nezha 2," the hair rendering and physics simulation technologies developed in-house are on par with the world’s leading standards. The lubricant additive industry likewise needs “hard power” in technological innovation.

• Deep integration of industry, academia, and research:
  Drawing on the collaborative model of “Nezha 2,” which involved 138 animation companies, domestic additive manufacturers have established joint laboratories with institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Tsinghua University, thereby accelerating the practical application of cutting-edge technologies like nanomaterials and bio-based additives.

• Digital empowerment of R&D:
  Introduce AI simulation experiments and big data analytics platforms to shorten the formulation development cycle. Empower R&D with digitalization to truly enhance R&D efficiency.

Industrialization System: Building Global Competitiveness with “China Standards”

The success of "Nezha 2" marks the maturation of China's film industrialization system. Standardized processes—from script development to special effects production—have enabled highly efficient output. The lubricant additive industry is also accelerating its own industrial transformation.

• Industrial Chain Collaborative Upgrade:
  Integrate resources from base oil suppliers, additive manufacturers, and equipment manufacturers to create a closed-loop ecosystem spanning from R&D to application.

• Standardization and Alignment with International Standards:
  Actively participate in the formulation of industry standards and promote “China Standards” to the world.

Cultural Confidence: Opening Up the Global Market with “Chinese Stories”

“Nezha 2” imbues traditional mythology with modern values and has successfully made its way to North America and Australia/New Zealand, setting a new box-office预售 record. Domestic additive companies likewise need to tell the story of “technological confidence” effectively.

• Brand Storytelling Upgrade:
  From “replacing imports” to “technology-driven leadership,” we convey the social value of domestically produced additives—through case study white papers, technology summits, and other platforms—in areas such as energy conservation, consumption reduction, and extending equipment lifespan.

• Global layout:
  Drawing on the “local core + global shell” overseas expansion strategy from “Nezha 2,” we are tailoring products specifically for emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East, while simultaneously positioning ourselves in the high-end markets of Europe and the U.S. For instance, we’ve established technology service centers in Southeast Asia to provide localized solutions.

Future Outlook: An Industry Transformation from “Nezha” to “Investiture of the Gods”

The 10-billion-yuan box office of “Nezha 2” is not the end point but rather a new starting line for China’s animation industry. Similarly, our lubricant additive industry also needs long-term commitment on its path to catching up and surpassing others.

• Continuously increase R&D investment: Benchmarking against the 10% average R&D spending ratio of the four major global giants, domestic Chinese companies need to break free from the trap of “emphasizing market over technology.”

• Embrace the green transition: Develop low-sulfur, low-ash additives to align with the “dual-carbon” goals and seize the initiative in the new-energy vehicle market.

• Cultivating an industry ecosystem: Promote synergy among policy support, capital investment, and talent development to build a global IP for “Chinese Additives.”

[Conclusion] If there’s no path ahead, just forge one.

Just as the declaration in “Nezha 2”—“If there’s no path ahead, I’ll forge one”—suggests, domestic lubricant additive companies are wielding technological innovation as their spear and embracing the craftsman’s spirit as their shield, carving out their own unique track in the global competition. As the “Made in China” label shifts from “following closely behind” to “taking the lead,” this journey of “catching up with the Big Four” will surely become a vivid testament to the industrial ethos of the new era.