Global Green Policies: Green Chemistry & Recycled Materials for a Low-Carbon Future
Introduction
On March 5, 2025, during the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized in the government work report the need to synergistically promote carbon reduction, pollution control, ecosystem expansion, and green growth, accelerating the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development.
The report highlighted the importance of deepening reforms in ecological civilization, coordinating industrial restructuring, pollution control, ecological conservation, and climate change mitigation, while advancing an eco-first, efficient, and low-carbon development model.
As China advances its green transition, it is also aligning with global green policies, reflecting broader international trends and collaborative efforts in sustainable development.
New Trends in Green and Low-Carbon Economic Development
The government work report clearly proposed improving the policy and standards system supporting green and low-carbon development and fostering a healthy ecosystem for green industries. Key initiatives include:
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Implementing demonstration projects for advanced green and low-carbon technologies and cultivating new growth drivers such as green buildings;
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Enhancing resource management and conservation systems, strengthening energy and water use efficiency in key industries, and strictly controlling high-energy-consuming projects;
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Establishing incentive mechanisms for green consumption, promoting green manufacturing and lifestyles;
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Strengthening waste recycling efforts and actively promoting the use of recycled materials.
Global Developments in Safer Alternatives Assessment
Globally, efforts are underway to establish safer alternative assessment frameworks aimed at reducing the use of toxic and hazardous substances at the source, promoting safer production, improving human health, and protecting the environment.
North America
In North America, commonly used safer alternatives assessment frameworks include Safer Choice, GreenScreen, and ChemFORWARD.
These methods not only effectively identify substances of high concern but also screen out high-hazard chemicals that are not yet regulated but should be removed from supply chains, helping industries move toward safer, more sustainable practices.
Europe
In Europe, the Green Deal is a flagship policy framework aiming for climate neutrality, a circular economy, and a toxic-free environment by 2050.
One of its key initiatives is the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS), which promotes the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework to advance chemical safety and sustainability simultaneously.
The SSbD framework is expected to be officially released in 2025, setting a global reference standard for saferalternatives assessment.
China
China is also actively developing its own localized safer alternatives assessment system, aiming to establish safer chemical management standards tailored to the domestic industry’s needs.
Relevant policies and technical frameworks are currently under development and are expected to be released in the coming years, providing a scientific basis for the green transformation of chemical management in China.
International Policies on Recycled Materials
Parallel to safer alternatives assessment efforts, there is a global push to expand the use of recycled materials and to curb the consumption of virgin resources—an essential step in advancing the circular economy.
European Union
The EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) stipulate that by 2030, key consumer products and packaging must meet specific recycled content targets and ensure material traceability.
United States
In the United States, Washington State’s SB 5022 and California’s AB 793 legislation mandate increasing recycled content in plastic packaging and beverage containers over time.
China
China has been actively promoting recycled material usage through multiple policies, such as the national Action Plan for Plastic Pollution Control During the 14th Five-Year Plan Period and the Circular Economy Promotion Law of the People’s Republic of China, both emphasizing the establishment of efficient recycling systems and the gradual increase of recycled material usage.
At the local level, initiatives such as Beijing’s Plastic Pollution Control Action Plan (2020-2025) encourage industries like express delivery and food delivery to adopt recyclable packaging and support the use of recycled-content products.
Provinces such as Guangdong and Zhejiang have also introduced local policies aimed at boosting recycled material usage in sectors like plastics and textiles to foster industrial green transformation.
Global Certifications
International standards like the Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), and SCS Recycled Content Certification have become key tools for verifying the compliance and traceability of recycled material use across the global supply chain.
These certifications apply to various actors in the product supply chain, including manufacturers, traders, and brands.
Common GRS/RCS-certified products include apparel, textiles, leather goods, footwear, toys, plastic products, metal products, and packaging materials.
Final Thoughts
This year’s government work report once again stressed the unwavering commitment to an eco-prioritized, green, and low-carbon development path.
Looking ahead, China may further introduce standards for safer alternatives assessment and recycled materials regulations.
REACH24H will continue to monitor policy developments and provide professional technical support to help enterprises navigate the green transition, working together to build an eco-friendly society.
Currently, REACH24H offers the following services for safer alternatives assessment and recycled materials certification:
Safer Alternatives Assessment Services:
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Toxicological Risk Assessment (TRA) Services
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EU Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) Services
Recycled Materials Certification Services:
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GRS/RCS Certification Services
For more information or service inquiries, please feel free to contact us!
