China Unveils "15th Five-Year Plan" for Circular Economy Development
China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has released the "Circular Economy Development '15th Five-Year Plan" (2026-2030). The plan aims to establish a more comprehensive circular economy system covering the entire chain from production and consumption to recycling and utilization.
By 2030, the plan targets a roughly 16% increase in major resource output efficiency compared to 2025 levels. It also projects that the annual comprehensive utilization of bulk solid waste will reach approximately 4.5 billion tons, with the annual recycling of major renewable resources reaching 510 million tons. The output value of the resource recycling industry is expected to hit 8 trillion yuan.
Looking further ahead to 2035, China anticipates the basic establishment of a high-quality circular economy development system, with the efficiency of major resource utilization achieving international advanced levels.
This national strategy signals a significant policy push towards resource efficiency and waste reduction in China, aligning with global trends in sustainability and environmental governance. The ambitious targets for 2030 and 2035 suggest a long-term commitment to decoupling economic growth from resource depletion. Achieving these goals will likely require substantial investment in technological innovation, infrastructure for recycling and reuse, and potentially shifts in consumer behavior. The success of this plan will depend on effective implementation across various industries and regions, robust regulatory frameworks, and the ability to foster a circular economy that is both environmentally sound and economically viable, potentially creating new industrial opportunities while mitigating resource security risks.
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