BEIJING: World Environment Day, observed on June 5, was established by the United Nations in 1973 to raise global awareness and drive action to protect our environment.
This year’s theme, #BeatPlasticPollution, highlights the need for solutions to combat plastic pollution. The UN Environment Programme estimates that over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with less than 10 percent being recycled. Approximately 19-23 million tonnes of plastic end up polluting lakes, rivers, and seas.
As plastic pollution becomes an urgent issue, China has taken significant steps to address it through technological innovation. The country has prioritized the recycling and utilization of plastic waste, developing a circular economy for plastics.
Wang Yonggang, secretary-general of the Plastic Recycling Association of the China National Resources Recycling Association, said that China has established a comprehensive waste plastic recycling system, incorporating recycling outlets, sorting centers, and processing factories. Leveraging technologies such as the internet and the Internet of Things, China has innovated recycling models.
China leads the world in waste plastic recycling and in capacity and output of plastic reutilization. By June 2022, over 15,000 companies were involved in waste plastic recycling, employing around 900,000 individuals.
In 2021, China recycled approximately 19 million tonnes of waste plastic, achieving a recycling rate of 31 percent. This rate was nearly 1.74 times the global average during the same period. China’s recycling capacity accounted for about 70 percent of the world’s total.
Wang Yonggang, secretary-general of the Plastic Recycling Association of the China National Resources Recycling Association, said that China has established a comprehensive waste plastic recycling system, incorporating recycling outlets, sorting centers, and processing factories. Leveraging technologies such as the internet and the Internet of Things, China has innovated recycling models. –The Daily Mail-CGTN news exchange item
