Project title: Green Production and Sustainable Development in Secondary Aluminum, Lead, Zinc and Lithium Sectors in China

Financing  

GEF: US$ 15.8 million 

Co-financing: US$ 110 million 

Project duration: 2022 - 2029

Project overview

China’s secondary non-ferrous metal sector is a global leader in recycling and reprocessing key metals such as aluminum, copper, lead, and zinc. In 2024 alone, the country processed around 19 million tons of secondary non-ferrous metals — a vital contribution to the circular economy.

However, this sector is also a major source of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), often referred to as “forever chemicals.” To tackle this challenge, the project aims to significantly reduce POPs emissions through two main actions:

• Introducing Best Available Techniques and Best Environmental Practices (BAT/BEP) in the secondary production of aluminum and zinc.
• Implementing a comprehensive life cycle management programme for batteries.

These efforts will not only cut releases of unintentionally produced POPs (uPOPs) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs), protecting both people and the planet, but will also promote sustainable supply chain management, innovation in green chemistry, and harmonized chemical management across the secondary metallurgical sector.  The project will strengthen the recycling supply chain for scrap metal and used batteries, promote environmentally sound disposal practices, and advance Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) at recycling facilities.

Insights from the project’s BAT/BEP demonstration pilots and best practices will inform the development of policy standards and recommendations, and through National Replication Programs (NRP) continued reductions of dioxins and other pollutants will be ensured across China’s secondary non-ferrous metal industry.