The inaugural U.S.-China Circular Economy Cooperation Forum took place in Beijing on September 6, 2024, with a focus on joint efforts to address global climate change and advance circular economy solutions. The event was organised by the U.S.-China Business Council and the China Circular Economy Association, under the guidance of the U.S.-China Climate Action Working Group Circular Economy Task Force. It attracted a distinguished audience of 460 guests, including representatives from China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Department of Energy, alongside experts from research institutions and businesses from both nations.
The forum aligns with the goals set out in the U.S.-China “Sunnylands Statement on Enhancing Cooperation to Address the Climate Crisis,” which outlines key areas of collaboration between the world’s two largest economies. It was designed to create a platform for governmental, business, and research institutions from both nations to exchange knowledge and foster cooperation in the growing field of the circular economy.
Key speakers at the opening ceremony included Zhao Chenxin, Deputy Director of China’s National Development and Reform Commission; John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the U.S. President on International Climate Policy; Liu Zhenmin, China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change Affairs; and Nicholas Burns, U.S. Ambassador to China. Chinese Ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng, also delivered a message via video link. Deputy Director Zhao stressed that tackling climate change is a global responsibility that necessitates strong cooperation between China and the United States.
A major highlight of the forum was a presentation by Niutech, a leading company in continuous pyrolysis technology, which focuses on tackling “white pollution” caused by waste plastics. Niutech’s representative spoke about the company’s achievements in waste plastic chemical recycling, showcasing projects developed in partnership with international companies such as BASF and Quantafuel in Denmark and Thailand.
Niutech’s cutting-edge technology offers an advanced solution for turning low-value, mixed, and contaminated waste plastics into high-quality fuel oil. This oil can then be refined into naphtha, a crucial raw material for producing new plastics. The process not only helps divert plastics from landfills but also transforms waste into valuable resources, reinforcing the principles of a circular economy.
The forum also provided an opportunity for further discussions on how both nations could build a shared future through innovation in recycling and resource management. Experts in attendance underscored the importance of international cooperation in scaling up solutions like Niutech’s pyrolysis technology to combat environmental challenges posed by waste plastic.
The collaboration between China and the United States, as demonstrated by this forum, reflects a growing recognition of the role that joint efforts in the circular economy will play in mitigating climate change. The exchange of expertise and technology between the two global powers represents a significant step forward in addressing one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.