An aging mercury thermometer factory in China’s northwest, once a key producer of medical instruments nationwide, is now facing an existential crisis. With the widespread adoption of digital thermometers and national policies phasing out mercury-containing products, this decades-old plant is struggling to survive. Following China’s commitment under the 2013 Minamata Convention—which aims to eliminate mercury use—the production and sale of mercury thermometers have been progressively restricted. Although the factory still excels in precision craftsmanship and cost efficiency, plummeting market demand, mounting environmental regulations, and younger consumers’ preference for convenient electronic devices have led to a steady decline in orders. Currently, the factory is attempting to pivot toward mercury-free alternatives while also exploring the possibility of preserving its traditional manufacturing techniques as industrial heritage. This ‘survival test’ reflects not only the fate of a single enterprise but also the broader challenges and transformation pathways facing traditional manufacturers in the era of green transition.
位于中国西北的某水银体温计老厂，曾是全国重要的医疗器具生产基地之一。然而，随着电子体温计的普及和国家对含汞产品逐步淘汰的政策推进，这家已有数十年历史的老厂正面临前所未有的生存挑战。2013年，《水俣公约》签署后，中国承诺逐步禁止含汞产品的生产和使用，水银体温计被列入限制清单。尽管该厂在工艺精度和成本控制方面仍有优势，但市场需求锐减、环保压力增大以及年轻一代消费者偏好便捷的电子设备，使其订单量逐年下滑。目前，工厂一方面尝试转型生产无汞替代品，另一方面也在探索保留传统工艺作为工业文化遗产的可能性。这场‘生存大考’不仅关乎一家企业的命运，也折射出传统制造业在绿色转型浪潮中的普遍困境与出路探索。
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