Large plastics recycling plant opens in Beijing.(PLASTICS)

The world's largest plastics recycling processing plant, capable of recycling 60,000 tons of plastic scrap annually, has begun operating in Beijing, according to an article in China Daily.

Operated by Beijing Incom Resources Recovery Co. Ltd., the plant was built at a cost of approximately $37.5 million.

Li Ping, director of the Beijing Municipal Industry Promotion Bureau, tells China Daily that the plant's annual capacity equals one-third of the city's total annual scrap plastic amount and will result in 30,000 tons of clean polyester pieces and 20,000 tons of bottled polyester chips, which is equal to a savings of 300,000 tons of petroleum annually.

"The line will contribute greatly to Beijing's energy saving endeavor," Li Ping is quoted as saying.

China Daily also quotes figures from the Beijing Municipal Packing Technology Association, which show that scrap plastic bottle generation in Beijing amounted to 150,000 tons in 2007 and is expected to surge to 300,000 tons in 2010.