China Plastics ›› 2025, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (7): 112-120.DOI: 10.19491/j.issn.1001-9278.2025.07.017

• Plastic and Environment • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Overview of China’s plastic chemical recycling: status, problems, trends

LIANG Yonghuang(), LIU Jing, GE Dongqi   

  1. China National Chemistry Southern Construction & Investment Co,Ltd,GuangZhou 510420,China
  • Received:2024-07-10 Online:2025-07-26 Published:2025-07-22

Abstract:

The resource recovery and circular utilization of waste plastics represent a critical pathway for addressing global plastic pollution and resource scarcity. Chemical recycling technologies offer distinct advantages over conventional physical methods, enabling the conversion of low⁃value plastic waste, including materials unsuitable for mechanical recycling, into valuable feedstocks through environmentally benign processes. This approach effectively transforms "white pollution" into a "white oilfield," positioning chemical recycling as a pivotal direction for the plastic waste management industry. This review systematically analyzed current chemical recycling technologies and their industrial applications, identifies key challenges hindering China's plastic chemical recycling sector, and proposes targeted solutions. Furthermore, a forward⁃looking analysis of development trends in China's plastic chemical recycling industry was presented, highlighting its potential to drive sustainable waste management and circular economy initiatives.

Key words: waste plastics, chemical recycling, industrial status, problem and countermeasure, development trend

CLC Number: