Ecomaterials research and development activities in China

A brief review of the recent advances in the field of ecomaterials in China is presented, giving opinions on the current activities and suggesting possible future courses of action. The past 10 years has seen the development of the concept of ecomaterials involving practical research and development of environmentally conscious materials, and the establishment of related systems including national programs and laws. It has been an important period for the development of materials science and the goal of creating a sustainable society in China. It has now become clear that ecomaterials, which exhibit high performance whilst being environmentally benign in their life cycle, are evolving from being only materials for end-of-pipe applications to include all materials being designed on the basis of life-cycle thinking.