In Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region, activated carbon made from abandoned peach and apricot pits is gaining popularity for its low cost and an eco-friendly alternative.

"Fruit-shell activated carbon has a uniquely porous structure that traps impurities, achieves deep decolorization and deodorization, and enhances the purity and quality of treated substances," explained Zhang Wenyan, head of technology at Ningxia Tingyuan Activated Carbon Co Ltd.

By carbonizing, crushing and screening these once-discarded agricultural wastes, the company transforms them into a high-end product worth more than 10,000 yuan ($1,387.33) per ton.