Although the Chinese government has implemented stricter controls on the import of used plastics, the domestic recycling industry is expected to continue experiencing double-digit growth. At the Chinaplas Green Forum 2014, Ning Hongtao, president of the Plastics Recycling Committee of the China Plastics Processing Industry Association, highlighted that despite these regulatory changes, China remains the world's largest importer of waste plastics. Additionally, the volume of domestically generated plastic waste being recycled is also on the rise.
Ning noted that the "Hedge Action" policy implemented in 2013 led to a decline in waste plastic consumption by about one million tons, which was slightly less than anticipated. While some large companies have reduced their imports or shifted to other sectors, the number of new applications for waste plastic import licenses has been steadily increasing. Currently, over 3,000 registered enterprises are authorized to import and process waste plastics, with more than 10,000 businesses involved in the broader recycling sector.
According to data from the special committee, in 2013, China recycled a total of 24.9 million tons of plastics, of which 7.9 million tons were imported—accounting for just over 30%. The European Union remains the primary source, contributing a quarter of all imported waste plastics. Around 40% of China’s plastic recycling industry is managed by large and medium-sized enterprises, many of which are located in coastal regions with stable supply chains and higher profit margins. In contrast, larger-scale operations in central and western China mainly focus on domestic waste plastics.
Key regions like Guangdong, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shandong, and Hebei serve as major hubs for recycled plastics, each with distinct market demands. For example, Tianjin, Hebei, and Shandong specialize in high-grade LDPE and HDPE materials, while Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Jiangsu prioritize clean PET, HDPE, and polypropylene. Fujian has a strong demand for low-grade LDPE films, and Guangdong consumes significant amounts of engineering plastics along with PE, PP, and PET.
Over the past five years, China's plastic recycling rate has steadily climbed, reaching 30% in 2013. While small and medium-sized enterprises play a vital role due to their specialized divisions and efficient logistics networks, they often lack environmental awareness, making them a key target for regulation. Ning emphasized that current policies encourage more sustainable practices, and larger firms are more likely to receive support, gradually reducing the space available for smaller, less regulated players.
As a result, some polluting small businesses may exit the market, while others will relocate to industrial parks designed for larger-scale recycling. With growing environmental concerns and evolving regulations, China is increasingly in need of formalized, large-scale recycling enterprises to ensure sustainable development in the sector.
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