China becomes the world's first plastic consumer

China's current consumption of plastics exceeds 60 million tons a year, surpassing the U.S. ranking first in the world. This reporter learned from the "sustainable development - the contribution of the plastics industry" theme forum.

The "Sustainable Development - Contribution to the Plastics Industry" theme forum sponsored by the Association of International Chemical Manufacturers (AICM) and co-organized by the China Plastics Processing Industry Association was held in Beijing recently. Domestic and foreign experts and scholars from the plastics industry gathered together. The industry and the whole society share the experiences and latest achievements of the plastics industry in plastic recycling, solid waste treatment, and plastic life cycle analysis. At the same time, they urge the entire industry to use plastics responsibly.

Vice Chairman of the AICM Board of Directors and DuPont Co., Ltd., Pan Shijie, Asia Pacific's Director of Safety, Health, Environment and Safety, pointed out that plastics is one of the most resource-efficient and most versatile materials currently used. It is a resource for renewable recycling and recycling, and should promote the entire life of plastics. The scientific management of the cycle, increase the recycling and use of plastics, clarify some of the incorrect understanding of plastics, and promote the healthy development of the plastics industry.

Liao Authentician of the China Plastics Processing Industry Association said at the meeting that China has become the world’s largest consumer of plastics. Currently, the plastic products industry is booming both in production and sales, and the market prospects are promising. Under such circumstances, the plastics industry needs to further increase its awareness of environmental protection, start with a sound recycling system, and provide guarantees for the rational and safe use of plastics.

Director of the Department of Energy Conservation and Comprehensive Utilization of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Director Huang Jianzhong pointed out that sustainable industrial development is the key to the sustainable development of the entire society, and there are three major issues for the sustainable development of the plastics industry. First, plastics are non-toxic and harmless. Second, plastics can be degraded and can be recycled. Third, plastic substitutes for energy conservation and consumption reduction in all walks of life.

At the forum, representatives of the American Chemistry Council, the European Plastics Association, the Japan Institute of Plastics Waste Processing, and the Italian Association of Plastics and Rubber Processing Machinery and Die and Mould Manufacturers gave their respective national plastics related regulations, experience in the recycling of used plastics, and processing technologies. Other aspects were introduced. Experts from Dow Chemical, BASF, and Celanese discussed how to improve the sustainability of plastic packaging and green innovation of engineering plastics.