The Chinese government intends to ban the use of non-degradable plastic products in the country by the end of this year. This is stated in the joint project plan developed by the State Committee for Development and Reforms and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of China.
“The production, use and processing of plastic waste that does not meet the standards leads to irrational consumption of energy resources, environmental pollution and increased environmental stress,” the prepared document says.
Its authors plan to reduce the use of household plastic by 30% over the next five years. As a first step, by the end of 2020, the Chinese authorities intend to ban the production and sale in large cities of plastic bags less than 0,025 mm thick and agricultural films less than 0,01 mm thick, as well as import of plastic raw materials. The PRC government also plans to ban the use of non-degradable plastic products in the catering, retail and other areas of the service sector in major cities of the country. In addition, by the end of 2020, foam, cotton swabs, and some household chemicals may be banned.
According to the World Bank, in 2017, China produced 210 million tons of waste, including household plastic. By 2030, this volume may increase to 500 million tons. A significant share of the waste is made up of plastic chopsticks, commonly used in the country. The question of potential replacement material for traditional cutlery in China remains open.
Source: TASS