Founded a little over a year ago in Hong Kong, the China Scrap Plastics Association (CSPA) has recently joined the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR, Brussels / Belgium; www.bir.org). The news comes from BIR, which was in attendance at the "World Recycling Convention" held earlier in the year in Shanghai. The association is hoping that the Chinese membership will provide a much-needed boost to the plastics recycling sector worldwide.

The CSPA's general secretary, Jason Wang describes his country's plastic recycling industry as undergoing an important transition phase. He added that Chinese scrap buyers and overseas suppliers have been navigating difficult terrain since China implemented its Green Fence initiative. He said the time is ripe for industry colleagues at home and abroad to work more closely together and ensure the plastic recycling business is environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Important topics for the 120 members fo the CSPA included a strong cooperation with international organisations, especially ones based in the US, separation of waste and processing methods. The 120 member companies account for a total import volume of approximately 3m t/y in China. Steve Wong, managing director at plastic scrap recyclist Fukutomi (www.fukutomi.com.hk), is currently the CSPA's executive president.