From 2020 to 2022: An Explosion in Chinese Plastic Production

China is the world's largest producer of plastic products, clocking in at staggering seven million metric tons every month, and it's growing.

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Introduction

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China is the world’s largest producer of custom plastic products, clocking in at a staggering seven million metric tons every month. The country’s production output has been upward for years, driven by increased demand for consumer goods and packaging materials. Despite China’s efforts to reduce plastic waste through new regulations and policies, its production continues to soar. China is responsible for a third of global plastic manufacturing.

From August 2020 to August 2021 alone, China produced around 7.95 million metric tons of plastic products. This figure represents a significant increase from previous years and highlights the country’s ongoing reliance on single-use plastics. While some argue that China’s booming economy necessitates such high production levels, others argue that it comes at too great of a cost to the environment.

The environmental impact of China’s massive plastic production industry should not be taken lightly.

Chinese Plastic Production Market Saw Record Growth in 2020-21 

China produces multimillion metric tons of plastic products each month. 2020 and 2021 are the best growing years of the Chinese plastic market. In August, the plastic market produced 6.57 million metric tons; in September, it produced 7.08 million metric tons; in October, it produced 6.87 million metric tons; in November, it produced 7.9 million metric tons; in December, it manufactured 7.75 million metric tons.

The plastic products market in the People’s Republic of China will continue to grow in 2021, producing over a million tons of plastic products by the end of that year. In January and February of 2021, the market has 11.27 million metric tons of plastic products; by mid-March 2021, it is 7.23 million metric tons; by the end of April 2021, it is 7.07 million metric tons; in May 2021, it is 6.95 million metric tons, by the end of May 2021 it is 6.78 million metric tons, at the end of June 2021 it is 7.21. The market will continue to advance along the path of success. The bump at the beginning of 2021 is due to the upcoming Chinese New Year holidays and the rush before the holidays.

graph of Chinese Plastic Production in 2020 and 2021 in metric tons statistics

World’s Largest Producers of Plastic For Many Years

China has long established itself as the world’s largest plastic producer, accounting for almost one-third of global production. According to market research in 2020, China’s share of the world’s total plastic output rose from 26 percent in 2014 to 32 percent in just six years. This significant increase is a testament to China’s manufacturing prowess and ability to produce plastics on a massive scale.

China’s dominance in plastic production is limited to more than quantity but also quality. The country has invested heavily in research and development, leading to innovations that have improved the performance and durability of various plastic products. China now produces some of the most advanced types of plastics globally, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP).

In recent years, China has recognized that it must rely on more than low-cost manufacturing and mass production of plastics. As a result, China’s plastic producers have shifted their focus toward higher-quality products that meet international standards. This transition has been driven by increasing demand from overseas markets for better-quality, safe, and environmentally friendly plastics. Chinese companies have started investing more in research and development to develop new materials and technologies that can produce high-quality plastics while reducing their environmental impact.

The Bright Future Of The Market

The Chinese plastic production industry has been overgrowing in recent years, and the future of this market is looking increasingly bright. As concerns about environmental sustainability continue to rise, many companies are focusing on adopting eco-friendly concepts to help them remain competitive in the long run. There are still a lot of problems with plastics recycling that have to be tackled. Greenpeace states that it is not sustainable at all and even calls it a “myth”.

Investors looking for promising opportunities in this industry should consider companies investing significantly in technological innovation. This includes firms that have developed new materials or manufacturing processes that reduce waste, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. With China’s economy expected to keep overgrowing over the next decade, investors have a massive potential to benefit from the growth of the plastic production industry.

Moreover, increasing consumer awareness regarding sustainable products drives demand environmentally friendly packaging solutions such as biodegradable plastics made from natural materials like cornstarch or sugar cane. 

Wrapping Up

Chinese plastic production market has been thriving in recent years, with the country’s plastic export volume continuously growing. Despite concerns about the impact of plastics on the environment and consumers’ health, Chinese manufacturers have focused on addressing these issues to ensure a bright future for their industry. They are taking steps to reduce waste by using recycled materials and developing biodegradable products that break down naturally without harming the environment.In addition to environmental concerns, Chinese manufacturers are also paying attention to consumers’ health by introducing safer alternatives to traditional plastics. They are developing new materials free from harmful chemicals such as BPA and phthalates, which have been linked to several health problems, including cancer and hormone disruption. This shows their commitment to providing safe products for local and international markets. China’s plastic products market is poised for continued growth thanks to its focus on consumer safety and environmental sustainability. There are several initiatives, such as using biodegradable polymers that save 65% of CO2 emissions.

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