This year's State Council Government Work Report pointed out that efforts should be strengthened to promote the recycling of waste and the extensive use of recycled materials to foster the development of a circular economy. During the two sessions, National Committee member Zhao Ruifeng proposed that more recycled plastics should be added to plastic products. This is crucial for addressing China's plastic pollution problem and promoting the sustainable development of the plastic industry.

As global climate change and environmental pollution issues worsen, plastic pollution control has become an international focus. According to Zhao Ruifeng, increasing the use of recycled plastics not only helps reduce dependence on virgin plastics, lowers oil consumption, supports carbon peak and carbon neutrality, and alleviates soil, water, and marine pollution; but it also helps secure orders for recycling enterprises and promotes the coordinated development of the recycling-reprocessing-application chain.

Many countries internationally have clear policy support for the application of recycled plastics. Data shows that the EU's "Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation" requires that by 2030, the proportion of recycled PET plastic in packaging should reach 30%, and by 2040, this ratio for single-use beverage bottles should be increased to 65%; the draft "Requirements for the Design of Vehicle Circularity" proposes that new cars produced by 2035 should contain 25% recycled plastics.

"These policies exert pressure on China's exports, compelling companies to enhance the use of recycled plastics to meet international standards. Increasing the incorporation of recycled plastics in plastic products is an inevitable requirement for aligning with international practices and demonstrating responsibility, which is conducive to improving the industry's international image," Zhao Ruifeng said.

Zhao Ruifeng suggested that usage standards and objectives should be formulated by industry. Fully taking into account the differentiated requirements for plastic performance and safety across various industries, clear standards for the use of recycled plastics and phased implementation targets should be set for key sectors such as packaging, electronic and electrical products, and automobiles.

"For example, in the packaging industry, we can take non-food contact materials as a breakthrough, setting reasonable proportion standards and targets, and gradually expanding the applicable scope based on implementation effectiveness; the electronics and electrical industry should develop targeted gradient ratios for the use of recycled plastics based on product types and the importance of plastic components; the automotive industry should refer to relevant EU policies and combine them with the actual development of China's automotive industry to determine practical targets for the use of recycled plastics, and adjust dynamically with technological advancements," said Zhao Ruifeng.

At the same time, it is necessary to improve the standard certification and regulatory system; strengthen technical innovation and industrial cooperation support; and optimize policy incentives and law enforcement supervision mechanisms. A series of supporting incentive policies should be introduced, such as tax reductions, financial subsidies, and green credit, to provide substantial support for enterprises that actively use recycled plastics, effectively reducing the cost pressure of using recycled plastics for these companies.

"Finally, it is necessary to widely conduct consumer education activities through diverse channels to popularize the environmental value and product safety of recycled plastics. This increases consumer awareness, acceptance, and recognition of products containing recycled plastics. It helps guide the establishment of green consumption concepts and fosters a green consumption market, driving demand for recycled plastic products from the consumption end and promoting the sustainable development of the industry." - Wang Hanjuan