In August 2026, China released its “15th Five-Year Plan for Ecological Conservation”, outlining priorities for environmental protection and sustainable development over the next five years. The plan integrates ecological conservation into the national development strategy, aiming to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. Key targets include raising the Ecological Quality Index (EQI), expanding protected areas, and enhancing biodiversity conservation measures.

On 3 July 2026, China’s State Council issued the “15th Five-Year Plan for building a Beautiful China”. As the country’s top-level policy framework for advancing ecological civilisation, it marks a strategic shift. The plan integrates carbon reduction, pollution control, ecosystem conservation, and high-quality economic growth, reflecting China’s commitment to sustainable development. With 18 key indicators and seven priority tasks, the plan outlines ambitious goals for ecological and environmental quality improvements by 2030 and 2035.

Green design is becoming a cornerstone of China’s circular economy strategy, recognizing that up to 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined at the design stage. Building on more than a decade of pilots and standards, China is shifting from resource efficiency toward designing products for durability, reuse, and recyclability.

New Green Design Guidelines issued in April 2026 establish a common framework for industry, outlining 11 core design principles, sector-specific guidance across 15 industries, and enabling measures including AI, standards, talent development, and international cooperation to accelerate the transition to greener manufacturing.