ANALYSIS OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF QINZHOU NIXING POTTERY WASTE CLAY UNDER CIRCULAR ECONOMY “3R” PRINCIPLE

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This article analyzes the current situation of waste clay management in the Qinzhou Nixing Pottery industry and proposes a sustainable development framework grounded in Circular Economy principles. As a representative of traditional Chinese pottery, Qinzhou Nixing Pottery faces increasing environmental pressure due to inefficient material use during production. Field investigations indicate that approximately 40% of clay is discarded during the shaping process, resulting in significant resource waste and potential environmental risks.Drawing on the “3R” (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) strategy, this study examines technical pathways for regenerating unfired waste clay and explores policy-driven mechanisms to support a resource closed-loop system. The research is based on field surveys, case studies, literature analysis, and expert interviews conducted between 2017 and the present. By integrating national and local policy frameworks related to low-carbon development and China’s “Double Carbon” targets of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, the study proposes a closed-loop production model that enables waste clay to be reprocessed into usable raw materials.The analysis demonstrates that, through appropriate technical interventions, unfired waste clay can be efficiently reintegrated into the production cycle, significantly reducing dependence on primary clay resources. Under theoretical conditions, this closed-loop model could substantially extend resource availability while lowering material loss and carbon emissions. In addition, policy incentives and regulatory guidance are shown to play a critical role in encouraging enterprises to adopt recycling technologies and improve waste management practices.The study concludes that the sustainable transformation of the Qinzhou Nixing Pottery industry requires coordinated efforts between enterprise-level technological innovation and government policy support. Such synergy is essential for establishing a competitive, green-certified manufacturing value chain and promoting the long-term sustainability of traditional pottery industries within a circular economy framework.