Recycling Markets in China
Report Highlights
- The amount of materials recycled in China in 2007 was 142.3 million metric tons. This is expected to increase to 158.6 million metric tons in 2008 and 244.8 million metric tons in 2013, for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%.
- Recycled metals are the largest segment at 76.8 million metric tons in 2007. This should grow to 83.5 million metric tons in 2008 and 123.2 million metric tons in 2013, a CAGR of 8.1%.
- The fastest growing segment is recycled tires and reclaimed rubber; 1.9 million metric tons were recycled in 2007, and an estimated 2.2 million metric tons in 2008. This should reach 4.2 million metric tons in 2013, for a CAGR of 14.0%.
INTRODUCTION
Study Goals and Objectives
As an important part of China’s national sustainable development strategy, development of a recycling industry is effectively relieving China’s problem of a resource shortage, and effectively relieving the pressure on China’s environment carrying capability. The state has put the recycling industry high on its development agenda for the next decade. China is drafting its first law on creating a so-called “circular economy” to provide a legal framework for its national sustainable development strategy. The recycling industry is in a key position to grow and benefit from this legal framework.
With more than 1.3 billion people and steady economic growth, China has become one of the fastest growing recycling markets in the world.
BCC’s goal in conducting this study was to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current status of China’s recycling market and assess its growth potential over the 5-year period from 2008 to 2013.
This BCC report will be of interest to all players in the recycling industry, traders, investors, and other market stakeholders. In terms of volume, China represents the largest potential recycling capacity in the world.
The segments covered in this report are those listed below:
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Iron and steel
- Strategic
- Paper
- Plastic
- E-waste
- Tires
Scope of report
This study is organized into six sections. Following the introduction, an executive summary provides the market forecast for China’s recycling industry through 2013. An industry overview in the next section provides definitions and important regulations for China’s recycling industry.
The ensuing section, Market by Products, covers the major segments of the industry: metal recycling (including aluminum, copper, iron, steel, and strategic metals), paper recycling, plastic recycling, e-waste recycling, and tire recycling. Each segment presents an analysis of the Chinese market, including an introduction and definitions, market dynamics, market share, and company profiles.
In the section on the international aspects of recycling, a discussion of imports and exports of aluminum scrap, copper scrap, iron and steel scrap, waste paper, and waste plastics is presented.
The last section, Technology, provides an analysis of major applications and major patents.
Methodology
The material presented is based on extensive review of secondary sources such as technical papers, industry conferences, trade publications, industry associations, company literature, and government data. Final analyses and projections are based on the consensus of secondary sources combined with BCC Research’s understanding of the impact of trends from a historical perspective. All dollar data presented in this report are based on the exchange rate of US $1 = RMB 6.9 (Yuan).
About the Author
Baijun Li is a research analyst covering Advanced Materials, Environmental Protection and Auto Components. Mr. Li is an independent consultant in China, and has worked with BCC for 6 years. He has authored marketing/technical reports on magnetic materials, engineering plastics, environmental protection, industrial machinery and auto components. With over 13 years of research and business experience in China, he has assisted in numerous business consulting studies---market opportunity analysis; market profiles and assessment; competitive intelligence; market feasibility and market entry. He has a B.S., Materials Science from Shanghai Jiaotong University; and is a certified securities investment consultant.
