Chinese Green Fence adversely affected global plastics recycling industry

BEIJING (Scrap Monster):  According to attendees and speakers at the 11^th China plastics Recycling Exhibition & Conference (ChinaReplas) held in Shanghai, the country’s Green Fence regulations adversely affected global plastic recycling industry.

According to rough estimates provided by Chinese customs, the total recycled plastic imports by the country dropped by nearly 11% over the previous year. But apart from that, it had even greater impact on industry practices, the participants noted. The costs of plastic scrap exports went up significantly high.

The recycled plastic exports from European countries into China witnessed a sharp decline during this period. The negative effects of China’s ‘Green Fence’ restrictions played a significant role in the reduced exports by countries from the above regions.

The customs data indicates that the country’s imports of scrap plastic totaled 7.8 million tons during 2013. Meantime, the year reported 211 smuggling cases. The customs officials however refused to provide details of companies involved in these smuggling acts. The year witnessed huge rise in smuggling of approvals.

The imports from the US and European countries declined sharply. Consequently, the plastic recycling industry in these regions witnessed increased automation, so as to make them more competitive.

ChinaReplas 2014, jointly organized by China Scrap Plastic Association and Beijing Guojiajiye Information Consulting Co., Ltd. was held from April 20th to April 22nd at Shanghai,China.