Technological breakthroughs

In a competitive fertiliser market where input material and raw material prices are constantly fluctuating, controlling production costs while maintaining stable product quality is a priority for Lam Thao Superphosphate and Chemical Joint Stock Company (Supe Lam Thao).

Implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, Supe Lam Thao has intensified research, innovation, and technical improvement activities rooted in practical production. From operational challenges, many solutions have been researched, tested, and applied, resulting in cost reductions and improved production efficiency.

A highlight is the initiative by a group of 13 authors entitled “Research and Evaluation of the Traditional Colour of NPK 12-5-10 Products to Propose the Use of Regular Light Yellow SA Instead of White SA in the Formulation for Producing NPK 12-5-10”. This solution has been deployed in mass production, ensuring product quality and colour while generating economic benefits of over VND 6 billion.

Developing Solutions from Production Realities

Previously, the formulation for NPK 12-5-10 production used white ammonium sulphate (SA) to maintain the traditional colour and granule appearance. However, white SA is usually considerably more expensive than regular light yellow SA.

In response, the authors conducted laboratory-scale blending trials, followed by real-world production tests. Results showed that the production process remained stable in terms of output; the fertiliser granules met all quality criteria and crucially retained the distinctive appearance and colour of NPK 12-5-10.

The company organised pilot production using light yellow SA and compared it with the product made from white SA under the previous method. The findings confirmed that using light yellow SA maintained stable productivity, quality, and colour, meeting all production requirements. On this basis, the solution was adopted for mass production from April 2024 and continues to be applied.

Practical Initiative, Tangible Results

During its application, the initiative delivered direct economic benefits exceeding VND 6 billion, accounting for more than 73% of the savings. This result demonstrates that initiatives arising from production realities can have a direct, measurable impact on business performance.

Through studying raw material properties, organising trials, evaluating results, and moving to mass production, the initiative has enabled the company to be more proactive in material selection, reduce costs, and improve production efficiency. Replacing higher-priced raw materials with more suitable alternatives helps cut costs while still meeting product requirements.

The effectiveness of this initiative also allows the company to be more flexible and proactive in its market pricing policy, while still maintaining the quality of NPK 12-5-10, supporting sales, and enhancing business efficiency.

As a member of the Vietnam National Chemical Group, the results from innovation and technical improvement at Supe Lam Thao contribute to enhanced production and business efficiency, supporting revenue, profit, and state budget contributions, while concretising the objectives of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW in production and business activities.

The initiative to replace white SA with regular light yellow SA in NPK 12-5-10 production is a clear example of research and improvement driven by real production needs. Effective, widely applicable solutions such as this will remain the foundation for Supe Lam Thao to boost productivity, quality, efficiency, and competitiveness, moving towards green, modern, and sustainable development.