China’s ‘recycling bridge’ with the world dies aged 84

A leading figure in the global recycling family, Ma Hongchang, has died. The Bureau of International Recycling calling him ‘one of the most influential bridges’ between China’s recycling sector and the international industry.

A scientist by training, Ma spent more than two decades at the Beijing Institute of Atomic Energy, where his research in nuclear metrology earned him national awards and led to research placements in the UK, USA, France and Germany.

Later, he joined the State Environmental Protection Administration, contributing directly to China’s implementation of the Basel Convention and advancing national policy on solid and hazardous waste management. He authored several publications on waste regulation, disposal methods and environmental governance – work that positioned him as one of the country’s most respected voices in recycling and environmental policy.

Non-ferrous specialist

In 2002, he became one of the founders of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association – Recycling Metal Branch, later serving as its vice-general secretary. He was instrumental in shaping China’s recycled metals industry, promoting research into recovery methods, import processing zones, and market efficiency.

His strong commitment to international cooperation led him to organise large Chinese delegations each year to attend ISRI (now ReMA) and BIR conventions, while also bringing hundreds of international participants to China to encourage technological exchange, regulatory transparency and industry advancement.

His work further extended to green ship dismantling initiatives, where he helped develop standards and training that significantly improved environmental performance across the sector – an effort recognised with a science and technology progress award in 2006.

BIR support

In 2014, he formally joined BIR as a consultant and later Advisor for Chinese Affairs, facilitating understanding and communication on policy, waste import regulations and global non-ferrous market developments. In a tribute, BIR praises his unwavering support and for strengthening collaboration across borders for the benefit of recycling and the environment.

‘I very much appreciated Mr Ma and his dedication to BIR,’ says BIR director general Arnaud Brunet. ‘I recall my very first visit to China after joining the organisation. Mr Ma was instrumental, welcoming me and introducing me to all the key contacts I needed to meet. His energy and full support for BIR were evident in everything he did.’