Ningbo recently hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Forum on Green and Sustainable Development, co-organized by China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment and Zhejiang Provincial Government. The event brought together over 300 global leaders, scholars, and business representatives to discuss biodiversity, low-carbon cooperation, and sustainable development, providing a platform for China to highlight its ecological achievements.

Leading Global Eco-Initiatives

On the forum’s opening, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter emphasizing China’s commitment to “lucid waters and lush mountains as invaluable assets” and its role as a global leader in ecological civilization. Delegates from SCO member, observer, and dialogue partner countries explored multi-dimensional approaches to green development, culminating in the “Eco-Cooperation, Green Journey: Ningbo Initiative for Sustainable Development Cooperation among SCO Countries”, which sets a framework for global collaboration in environmental governance and low-carbon transformation.

From Ocean Waste to High-Value Products

At the “Empowering Regional Cooperation, Painting a New Canvas of Green Development” exhibition, attendees were captivated by innovative products crafted from previously discarded fishing nets and plastics. Baseball caps and electric toothbrushes, once marine pollutants, were transformed into trendy, high-performance consumer goods — a vivid demonstration of Topcentral®’s Ocean Partner project in action.

Innovative Recycling Model

1. Carbon Credit-Driven Collection: Launched in 2022 in Qifeng Village, Ningbo, the village-level Ocean Partner collection hub incentivizes fishermen to deposit marine waste in exchange for carbon credits redeemable for daily necessities. By 2026, the initiative has recycled over 2,000 tons of marine plastic across 11 sites.

2. Same-Level Recycling Technology: Topcentral® converts complex marine plastics into high-quality recycled pellets (rPC, rABS, rPA, rPET) for use in 5G infrastructure, automotive precision parts, high-end electronics, and functional apparel, avoiding traditional “downcycling.”

3. Blockchain-Enabled Traceability: The Beisu platform provides full traceability for every recycled item, ensuring transparency and credibility for global ESG initiatives.

Driving Sustainable Prosperity

The Ocean Partner project has generated over tens of millions RMB in economic output while benefiting local coastal communities with approximately RMB 1.5 million annually, covering 30% of fishermen and increasing household income by nearly RMB 10,000 per year. A volunteer network of 102 regularly conducts beach clean-ups and environmental education, spreading ocean conservation awareness.

Recognized internationally, the project won the 2025 Xiangguang ESG Environmental Value Award and was included as a “Zero Waste City” case study by the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Asia-Pacific.

From a small fishing village to the global stage, Topcentral®’s Ocean Partner project demonstrates China’s commitment to green development, technological innovation, and responsible business practices. It serves as a scalable, inspiring model for tackling global marine plastic pollution and promoting sustainable prosperity worldwide