The development of a circular economy for plastics has been given priority in the nation, along with recycling and utilisation of plastic waste.

PSF Invites Entries To Develop Low-cost Plastic Waste Recycling Machine

China has made significant technological advancements to address the urgent problem of plastic pollution. The development of a circular economy for plastics has been given priority in the nation, along with recycling and utilisation of plastic waste.

China has established a comprehensive waste plastic recycling system that includes recycling outlets, sorting centres, and processing factories, according to Wang Yonggang, secretary-general of the Plastic Recycling Association of the China National Resources Recycling Association. China has developed novel recycling models by utilising technologies such as the internet and the Internet of Things.

In terms of output and capacity for recycling plastic waste, China is the global leader. Around 900,000 people were employed by over 15,000 businesses that recycled waste plastic as of June 2022.

About 19 million tonnes of plastic waste were recycled in China in 2021, for a 31 percent recycling rate. During that time period, this rate was nearly 1.74 times higher than the global average. Approximately 70% of the world’s recycling capacity was in China.

By the end of its 14th Five-Year Plan, China wants to effectively combat “white pollution.”

In September 2021, the nation unveiled a plan outlining steps to reduce plastic production and usage, create plastic substitutes, and drastically reduce plastic waste in landfills and environmental leakage.

According to the plan, significant reductions in disposable plastic use are anticipated by 2025 in important industries like retail, e-commerce, and express delivery.

China encourages the use of degradable plastic, bamboo, wood, paper, and other alternatives to plastic.

The nation has also made investments in degradable plastic technology research and helped related industries grow in a planned manner. Plastic waste disposal and recycling techniques have improved nationally.

Chinese local governments have also put various restrictions on the use of plastic into place.

For instance, a pilot project to sort and recycle take-out packaging waste from commercial office buildings has been started in the Longgang District of Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, in south China.

In Beijing, smart trash cans with sensors, cameras, and voice control systems have been installed in neighbourhoods. Some of them have implemented point-based incentive programmes to encourage citizens to properly sort and recycle their trash.

In order to maximise recycling, cut costs, and support the use of recyclable express packaging, Foshan City in Guangdong Province promotes the use of recycled courier packaging.

China’s dedication to environmental protection is demonstrated by its commitment to combating plastic pollution through technological innovation and all-encompassing strategies.

Along with addressing plastic waste, the nation has also taken “important steps” in its national strategy to advance the “Beautiful China Initiative” and strengthen biodiversity conservation.