IE expo China 2026: circular economy at the heart of political goals 

Circular economy approaches have become a key part of China's current and future environmental and industrial policies, providing fresh ideas and inspiration for IE expo China. The international trade fair for environmental technologies will take place in Shanghai from April 13 to 15, 2026.

Establishing closed material cycles wherever possible is much more than just an ecological task for China: circular economy is a strategic element of Chinese industrial policy. The transition to this economic model was specifically defined in the People's Republic's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025). Objectives include establishing a resourceefficient recycling and recovery system, increasing resource productivity, and strengthening the recycling industry. One focus is on the recovery of critical materials, such as metals. And on promoting innovation in recycling and remanufacturing. These goals require products, processes, and solutions such as those offered by the innovative and diverse companies in the international environmental technology industry, which will once again be presenting their offerings at the IE expo China at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) from April 13 to 15, 2026. The annual show is considered Asia's leading trade fair for environmental technology. 

Trade fair cooperates with industry platform ZZ91 for the first time 

To better meet the needs of the various players and aspects of the trending topic of circular economy, the organizer of the trade fair—Messe Muenchen Zhongmao Co., Ltd.—is collaborating with the Chinese company ZZ91 this year. Its digital service platform connects over two million companies in the recycling and resource management industry, thus bringing together supply and demand. At IE expo China there will be a special exhibition area and a forum for exchange between authorities, companies, universities, and research institutions, organized with support from ZZ91. 

Chinese recycling industry on the rise 

China used to be one of the largest importers of recycling materials such as plastic waste. But since introducing stricter import restrictions, the country has significantly expanded its domestic infrastructure and capacity in recent years. In addition to the 14th Five-Year Plan, China has introduced further measures to promote circularity, including national pilot projects for the standardization of circular processes, the promotion of take-back systems for products and devices, and regulations for more recyclable product designs. Building a comprehensive, super-efficient system will need new deposit system business models, innovative recycling tech, and smart solutions for better material efficiency and optimized processes. There also needs to be even more extensive digitalization and standardization along the entire value chain. Remarkably, major industrial players in China—for example, in the field of battery technologies—are promoting circular economy concepts that could one day set international standards. 

Pioneer in remanufacturing 

China is already playing a pioneering role in remanufacturing worldwide. The term refers to the industrial process of professionally repairing, for example, used automotive parts, construction machinery, machine tools, or office equipment so that they achieve the same quality and performance as new products. The People's Republic classifies remanufacturing as a strategically important industry and has been promoting it for years through a policy package consisting of laws, standards, tax incentives, and pilot programs. Result: there are now around 3,000 companies in the sector, and the Chinese remanufacturing industry was worth the equivalent of around $469 billion in 2023. On the buyer side, both domestically and internationally, there is particularly strong demand in the construction machinery and automotive after-sales markets. In 2024, Chinese exports of recycled products exceeded $50 million. 

Forecast: global market for circular economy to triple in ten years 

Looking at the global circular economy market as a whole, market research company Spherical Insights valued it at $554.5 billion in 2023. By 2033, analysts predict it will rise to around $1.9 trillion. The Asia-Pacific region—which includes China—is expected to grow the fastest throughout this forecast period. 

Further information can be found at ie-expo.com About IE expo China 

IE expo China—presented by IFAT—is Asia’s Leading Trade Fair for Environmental Technology: Solutions for Water, Waste, Air and Soil. The organizer of the event is Messe Muenchen Zhongmao Co., Ltd.—a joint venture by Messe München Shanghai Co. Ltd. and Shanghai ZM International Exhibition Co. Ltd. Spanning 187,000 square meters of exhibitions space, IE expo China 2025 attracted 2,279 exhibitors from 22 countries and 90,571 visitors from 72 countries. The next event will take place from April 13 to 15, 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). 

IFAT worldwide 

In addition to IFAT Munich as the world’s leading trade fair, IFAT now comprises eleven trade fairs around the globe, forming the world’s largest network for environmental technologies. The IFAT network includes IE expo China in Shanghai, IE expo Chengdu, IE expo Guangzhou, and IE expo Shenzhen, as well as IFAT Africa in Johannesburg, IFAT Eurasia in Istanbul, IFAT India in Mumbai, IFAT Delhi in New Delhi, IFAT Brasil in São Paulo, and the Singapore International Water Week (in cooperation with IFAT). Starting in 2026, IFAT Saudi Arabia in Riyadh will join the portfolio. Together, the events of the IFAT network act as a driving force advancing the global transformation toward sustainable technologies. 

Messe München 

As one of the world’s leading trade fair organizers, Messe München presents the world of tomorrow at around 90 trade fairs worldwide. These include twelve of the world’s leading trade fairs such as bauma, BAU, IFAT and electronica. Messe München’s portfolio comprises trade fairs for capital and consumer goods, as well as for new technologies. Together with its 1,300 employees in the group and associated companies, it organizes trade fairs in China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Türkiye, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand and the USA. With an international network of affiliated companies and foreign representatives, Messe München is active worldwide. Each year, more than 150 events attract around 50,000 exhibitors and around three million visitors in Germany and abroad. This makes Messe München an important economic engine that generates billions in purchasing power.