Liangjiang enterprise expands into global silver economy

With the World Health Organization forecasting the global population aged 60 and older to rise to 1.4 billion in 2030 from 1.1 billion in 2023, a silver economy worth $trillions is taking shape. Riding this wave, Chongqing Qing Er Technology, located in Liangjiang New Area, is carving out a global niche with pain-relief and sports protective gear that blends award-winning designs with a focus on wearability and unobtrusiveness. 

Founded in 2017, Qing Er began with diverse sports and health products on Amazon before shifting its focus to the silver economy. Today, pain-relief and sports protective gear account for 80 percent of its total revenue, with products delivered to 38 countries.

Chongqing Qing Er Technology in Liangjiang New Area. [Photo by Chen Wensen]

The company's strategy is to "offer what competitors can't", said administrative manager Peng Wanying. That ethos is embodied in its 2025 Red Dot Design Award-winning knee brace, featuring the industry's first external, replaceable side stabilizers. The stabilizers extend product lifespan, offer three levels of support, and can be easily attached or removed using a clip-magnet system.

The major technical hurdle was identifying materials for the supporting bar that withstand stress without breaking. Qing Er engineers analyzed flaws in commonly used materials, refined compounds and structures, and experimented with multiple suppliers. The effort paid off with the product surpassing industry norms to achieve over 400,000 bend cycles.

Kirigami, another knee brace made by Qing Er Technology, has won multiple international awards, such as the International Design Awards and the French Design Award. [Photo by Qing Er Technology]

Peng attributes the company's growth to product strength and a long-term approach. "We don't want customers to choose us just once," she said, noting that material quality and after-sales service are designed to drive repeat purchases. The company’s vision is translating into growth, as its revenue climbed 22 percent this year.

Qing Er emphasizes local adaptation and a sense of companionship for users. Its products are tailored to regional body traits and usage habits, combining comfort-focused design with personalized features and everyday usability.
"A brace becomes a true companion when it is light and unobtrusive enough for daily wear, like shoes or glasses, seamlessly fitting into routines and offering not just physical support but emotional comfort as well," said Zhang Hao, head of Product Innovation and Design.

Qing Er's next generation of products is designed with smart features - a trend that presents significant opportunities for growth and innovation in the sector. Production will be anchored in Chongqing, where a new factory will be built with advanced lines for mass manufacturing.

The company sees its growth as part of a broader push to shift perceptions from "Made in China" to "Created in China". "We hope to showcase Chinese manufacturing as advanced, intelligent, and high-quality," Peng said.