China releases 15th Five-Year Plan for circular economy development

China has released its 15th Five-Year Plan for circular economy development, setting ambitious goals to expand the country's resource recycling system by 2030. The plan aims to raise the circular economy industry's output to Yuan 8 trillion ($1.17 trillion), improve resource efficiency, and greatly increase the recycling of industrial waste and renewable materials such as metals, batteries, wind and solar equipment.

It emphasizes strengthening the full-chain recycling system while addressing weaknesses such as fragmented recycling networks, uneven industry development and insufficient incentives for recycled materials. It highlights the strategic importance of securing raw materials through both domestic recycling and improved imports of secondary resources. By 2030, China is expected to have