In a bold move towards sustainability, the Chinese mainland is spearheading the global shift from plastic to bamboo. In 2023, the Chinese government, in collaboration with the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization, unveiled the Global Action Plan for Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic (2023-2030). This ambitious initiative outlines six key goals and 23 specific actions aimed at reducing plastic dependency worldwide.
China's rich bamboo resources are at the heart of this initiative. With 837 species of bamboo thriving across 7.56 million hectares of forests, the country produces over 150 million tonnes of bamboo annually, according to Wang Ge, a researcher at the National Forestry and Grassland Administration's International Centre for Bamboo and Rattan (ICBR).
The momentum doesn't stop there. As of early 2023, more than 20 industrial bases focused on bamboo-based plastic alternatives are either under construction or in the planning stages across 17 major bamboo-producing provinces in China. This surge underscores the vast potential of bamboo, which already boasts over 10,000 types of products ranging from everyday items to industrial materials, building components, and agricultural tools.
By leveraging its extensive bamboo resources, China aims to not only reduce plastic waste but also promote sustainable economic growth. This initiative is set to make bamboo a cornerstone in the global fight against plastic pollution, showcasing China's commitment to environmental stewardship and innovative solutions.
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China promotes bamboo as an eco-friendly substitute for plastic
cgtn.com
