China sets 2030 targets for resource productivity in circular economy plan

China's National Development and Reform Commission has issued a '15th Five-Year Plan for Circular Economy Development' (2026-2030), outlining ambitious goals to enhance resource efficiency and waste management across the country's industrial sectors.

The plan aims to increase the productivity of key resources by 16% by 2030, compared to 2025 levels. By 2025, the productivity of China's major resources is expected to have risen by approximately 77% from 2012 levels. This includes significantly improving the comprehensive utilization rate of bulk solid waste and increasing the supply of recycled materials to production processes.

Further goals are set for 2035, when China's circular economy system is anticipated to reach an internationally advanced level in resource utilization efficiency. The plan specifically addresses the utilization of large volumes of industrial solid waste, including coal gangue, fly ash, and construction debris. It also focuses on improving the recycling of waste from new energy products, such as used electric vehicle batteries, wind turbine components, and photovoltaic equipment.

Key industries like automotive and electronics are highlighted. The plan seeks to enhance the high-value utilization of materials from scrapped vehicles, waste electrical and electronic products, and waste metals. The output value of the resource recycling industry is projected to reach 8 trillion yuan by 2030.