The State Council of China: Strengthen the promotion and application of recycled materials

On January 4, the Action Plan for Comprehensive Solid Waste Management distributed by the State Council mentioned: "Strengthen the promotion and application of recycled materials. Establish and improve the standard and certification system for recycled materials. Study and implement carbon footprint certification for recycled materials and products. Guide manufacturers to increase the proportion of recycled materials used. Promote the integration of recycled materials application into enterprises' social responsibility performance. Include more eligible recycled materials and products in the scope of government green procurement. Explore the information-based traceability of recycled materials application."

Unlike previous announcements issued by other government departments, this notice was released directly by the State Council. Specifically, the fourth initiative-Improving Resource Utilization Efficiency-stipulates the need to strengthen the promotion and application of recycled materials. This move has injected a strong shot in the arm for the promising outlook of the recycling sector in the new year. In particular, the inclusion of more qualified recycled materials and products in the scope of government green procurement has clearly defined the development direction and introduced direct incentive measures.

Certainly, recycled materials are not limited to recycled polyester. From the perspective of textile fibers, recycled polyester fiber currently ranks as the largest and most mature product segment among recycled fibers. In 2025, its capacity reached 12.38 million tons, with an output of 6.26 million tons. In the total virgin and recycled polyester fibers, the capacity of recycled polyester fiber takes a share of 16% and the share of its output is 10%.

Related certificates

1) GRS

It is an international, voluntary and comprehensive product standard that stipulates third-party certification requirements for recycling content, custody chain of production and sales, social and environmental practices, and chemical restrictions. GRS aims at increasing the use of recycled materials in products and reducing or eliminating the hazards caused by their production. There are over 300 recycled polyester fiber manufacturers in China, among which more than 70 established ones have launched high-end GRS-certified fiber segments. Some manufacturers are also ramping up R&D efforts to expand their product portfolios.

2) OEKO-TEX

Oeko-Tex standard certification is an authoritative and widely influential textile eco-label in the world. Oeko-Tex Standard 100 prohibits and restricts the use of potentially harmful substances known on textiles, including PH, formaldehyde, extractable heavy metals, nickel, pesticides / herbicides, chlorinated phenols, cleavable aromatic amines dyes, allergenic dyes, organic chlorinating dye guides, organic stannide (TBT/DBT), PVC plasticizers, color fastness, organic volatile gases and odor. For companies in textile and apparel industry, it is a unified and scientific standard to assess hazardous substances in textiles. For end-users, the label of Oeko-Tex on textiles indicates the products get through test and are harmless in terms of human ecology, so it becomes a significant reference for end-users to decide whether to buy.

3) FDA

FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is one of the executive agencies established by the US government in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Department of Public Health (PHS). As a scientific management agency, FDA plays a role to ensure the security of the US-produced or imported food, cosmetics, drugs, biological agents, medical equipment and radioactive products. It is one of the earliest federal agencies whose main function is to protect consumers.

4) China Green Fiber certification

The "Green Fiber" logo is registered by the China Chemical Fiber Industry Association and approved by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. It is a certification used to prove the materials of recycled chemical fibers, bio-based chemical fibers, and dope dyeing chemical fiber products. It can be applied to fibers, yarns, fabrics, apparel, home textiles, industrial textiles and other fields. The companies obtain the right to use logo "Green Fiber" by application, verification, inspection and approval, and accept the supervision and management on the use of this trademark from China Chemical Fiber Industry Association.

5) Carbon Footprint certification

In 2023, inquiries regarding carbon footprints have surged among factories, particularly concerning certifications such as International Sustainability Carbon Certification and those issued by carbon trading companies.

Notably, the leading global carbon footprint certification bodies include: Underwriters Laboratories (UL) from the USA, TÜV Rheinland from Germany, SGS from Switzerland, the British Standards Institution (BSI), Bureau Veritas from France, the Carbon Trust from the UK, as well as the China Quality Certification Center and CTI.

6) OBP

Ocean Bound Plastics (OBP) refers to plastic waste that is not properly managed and is abandoned in the environment, where it can be transported to the ocean by rain, wind, tides, rivers, or floods. Plastic waste in landfills or managed waste sites is not considered OBP; however, plastic waste from uncontrolled informal dumping sites within 50 kilometers of the coast is classified as OBP. The goal is to protect the oceans from plastic pollution resulting from land-based activities, rather than retrieving plastic from the ocean. Currently, companies like Zhongyuan, Benma, Anshun and Qiusheng has OBP certification.

There are also other certifications available, such as Intertek certification and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for sustainable forestry.

Currently, many international brands have formulated clear recycled material utilization plans, whereas most domestic brands lack specific metrics. With the State Council's announcement at the start of the new year, it is believed that more brands will opt for and invest in the development of recycled materials.