Western audiences might be familiar with the song “Barbie Girl” by the Scandinavian pop group “Aqua” who once famously sung that “life in plastic, it’s fantastic”. However, according to the “Opinions on Further Strengthening Plastic Pollution Control” (“Opinion”) which were issued by the National Development and Reform Commission & the Ministry of Ecological Environment on 19 January 2020, such a stance does not bode well for plastic’s future in China.
This is due to the fact that the Opinion seeks to advocate for an orderly banning and restricting of the production, sale and use of some plastic products, active promotion of alternative products, standardization of plastic waste, and the establishment of a sound management system for the production, circulation, use, recycling and disposal of plastic products. The Opinion has further introduced step-by-step timelines to reduce the use of single-use, non-degradable plastics and parcel packaging over the next five years.
By the end of 2022, the consumption of disposable plastic products shall be significantly reduced, substituted products will be promoted extensively. In addition, the energy-based utilization of plastic waste resources will be proportionately increased. A number of plastic recycling and green logistics models will be introduced in prominent areas of severe plastic pollution and emerging areas such as e-commerce, express delivery and takeaways.
The use of non-degradable plastic bags, for example, is expected to vanish in some major consumer areas, including shopping malls, supermarkets and restaurant takeout services. This is meant to happen, first in metropolises by the end of this year and then in all major Chinese cities and urban areas in coastal regions by the end of 2022.
Non-degradable single-use plastic straws will be banned by the end of 2020, while non-degradable single-use plastic tableware will be banned from dine inn restaurants in cities. By the end of 2022, the ban on plastic tableware will be extended to dine inn facilities in the counties respectively country side.
By the end of 2025, the management system for the production, circulation, consumption and recycling of plastic products shall be rolled out and as a multi-party management system basically established. The application of alternative product developments will be further enhanced, the number of plastic landfills in key cities will be greatly reduced, and plastic pollution shall be effectively controlled.
By the end of 2025, the use of non-degradable single-use plastic tableware for take-outs in cities should be cut by 30 percent, according to the Opinion.
Moreover, all hotels and guesthouses should stop using single-use plastic wares by 2025, while postal and express service outlets should cease using non-degradable plastic packaging, plastic tape and single-use plastic woven bags.
Comment from the author: Each time when a new law comes out, changes need to be undertaken. Some doors will be closed while others are being opened. The development or production of alternative products seems to be a promising business, given the continuing boom of online shopping in China.
Useful link:
THE STATE COUNCIL OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
