Invest Northern Ireland has conducted research projects to support Northern Ireland companies in China by identifying potential opportunities in the region. The first feature in this series focuses on China’s construction and demolition waste recycling sector.
China’s C&D industry is currently in its early stages, with a significant amount of waste being generated. However, the recycling rate is much lower than in developed countries. The Chinese government’s focus on low-carbon emissions and environmental regulations is driving the rapid development of the C&D waste recycling industry, creating opportunities for Northern Ireland companies specializing in C&D technologies.
Recent research indicates that the amount of C&D waste generated in 2021 increased by 3.3% compared to the previous year. Projections suggest that China’s national C&D waste output will reach 3.494 billion tonnes in 2030, showing steady growth.
Currently, most Chinese C&D companies focus on waste transportation rather than recycling and disposal. While China’s domestic waste screening equipment is relatively inefficient, imported mobile C&D waste equipment offers technical advantages such as low power consumption, low maintenance, efficient sorting, and high recycling capacity. These findings highlight opportunities for Northern Ireland businesses, as complex waste sorting technologies are considered premium products and are often sourced internationally in China.