China’s hazardous waste sector is at a critical juncture, with the impact of decades of rapid industrialisation, urbanisation, and the government’s ambitious sustainability goals. With 95,15 million tons generated in 2022, China is the world’s largest producer of hazardous waste, particularly of industrial waste. Hazardous waste is also a market valued at 358,8 billion CNY (approximately 45,7 billion EUR). This figure is projected to grow to 640 billion CNY (81,6 billion EUR) by 2028, driven by increasing demand for advanced waste management solutions, stricter environmental regulations, and initiatives like Waste-Free Cities.
The Waste-Free Citiesinitiative, launched in 2018, aims to address China’s staggering annual production of 10 billion tons of solid waste and a historic backlog of 60–70 billion tons. This programme targets source reduction, efficient recycling, and safe disposal. 113 pilot cities are already part of the programme, implementing advanced waste management strategies. China is also prioritising the construction of 20 regional hazardous waste disposal centres (7 comprehensive, 13 specialised) to address high-risk, technologically complex waste streams. The government is also investing in national and regional technology centres to drive R&D in waste detoxification, recycling, and smart supervision.
The sector is further bolstered by Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), with recent guidelines mandating private enterprise dominance in solid waste treatment projects. The sector holds opportunities for European SMEs with expertise in advanced technologies, such as AI-driven waste sorting, IoT-enabled monitoring systems, and high-efficiency incineration solutions. However, the challenges of a highly fragmented market (the top company holds just 2.2% market share) and stringent compliance standards underscore the need for strategic planning and partnership building.
On 21 March, the EU SME Centre and European Union Chamber of Commerce in China invite you to a workshop to gain insights into this complex sector with industry experts. This event will explore the current regulations shaping the sector, as well as potential opportunities for European SMEs.
Agenda (China Standard Time)
16:00–16:05
Opening remarks
16:05–16:20
China’s Hazardous Waste Sector: EU SME Centre Report Highlights Weronika Gryglaszewska, Business Advisor, EU SME Centre
16:20–16:35
Challenges Faced by EU SMEs in Navigating the Hazardous Waste Market Airun, China Country Manager, West Bridge Curium
16:35–17:25
Panel Discussion and Q&A European SMEs and China’s Hazardous Waste Sector Panellists Bella Wang, ESG Business Development Executive, SGS China, Business Assurance Phil Xu, Vice President at 4flow Consulting
17:25–17:30
Closing remarks
Speakers and panellists
Weronika Gryglaszewska
Business Advisor, EU SME Centre
Weronika is a results-driven professional with a diverse background encompassing market analysis, export strategies, and navigating regulatory landscapes. Cross-cultural communication skills and experience in both government and private sectors qualify her to support business growth.
From 2021 to 2023, she served as the Second Secretary for Agriculture at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in China. In this role, she specialised in analysing export opportunities, facilitating collaborations within the EU, and organising webinars, including on the CIFER system. She provided key support to Polish F&B companies seeking to expand internationally.
Weronika holds a Master’s degree in Cultural Studies and a Postgraduate degree in International Accounting, which complement her expertise in international trade and business development.
Phil Xu
Vice President, 4flow consulting
Phil Xu has over 20 years of experience at multinational manufacturing companies and consulting firms. He has led successful projects in procurement transformation and performance improvement for multinational corporations in industries including oil and gas, chemical, automotive, FMCG, pharmaceutical, industrial equipment, financial services and high-tech. Phil has extensive experience in helping companies drive sustainable supply chain development, data-driven procurement transformation and cost competitiveness to achieve business value.
Bella Wang
ESG Business Development Director, SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services
Ms. Wang is the ESG Business Development Executive at SGS, BA, where she has been dedicated to corporate sustainability and ESG initiatives. Focused on ESG strategy and business expansion, she leverages innovative financial tools to guide supply chain enterprises in their transformation, researches the correlation between corporate ESG practices and financial performance, and promotes SGS China’s green financial services. Ms. Wang holds a UN Sustainable Development Young Innovator Honorary Medal and serves as both the developer and instructor for the CPBA ESG curriculum. Prior to joining SGS, she led the Green Development Platform at Cushman & Wakefield’s Strategy Consulting Division. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Wuhan University and a Master’s degree in International Environmental Policy from Duke University. Combining academic rigor with practical experience, Ms. Wang bridges sustainability and business value, driving ESG integration across industries.
Airun
Country Manager, West Bridge Curium
Airun is Country Manager for Business Development and International Project Manager at West Bridge Curium. She holds a Master’s degree in Ecological Science, she is proficient in Chinese, English, and Mongolian, with a basic command of French. She is dedicated to risk management for hazardous situations, hazardous chemicals/waste, and radioactive waste management for companies and governments.
Her extensive project management and participant experience includes hazardous waste recovery projects (lead recovery, Nuclear laundry/decontamination area/laboratory), mercury decontamination, dangerous gas removal, hazardous waste disposal plant design review and risk assessment, chlor-alkali plant decontamination and managing Australian Aid Project. Airun can provide technical solutions that encompass contamination diagnostics, compliance studies, waste reduction and recycling process design, as well as on-site waste disposal solutions.
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