What is the Plastic Pollution Control Action Plan?
Since China issued the Opinions on Enhanced Control Measures against Plastic Pollution in January 2020, plastic pollution control measures have been taken nationwide. The latest Plastic Pollution Control Action Plan has been developed based on the results of the existing measures, intended to implement more effective measures against plastic pollution during the Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025).
How it works?
Measures for sources of pollution:
- Promote eco-design of plastic products — develop necessary standards for single-use and other plastics, optimize their designs and improve their recyclability.
- Continue to take measures to reduce single-use plastic usage.
- Promote substitutes for plastic products — consider the environmental impact of materials such as bamboo, wood, paper and biodegradable plastic1, as well as develop necessary standards for product.
Measures for collection, disposal and recycling:
- Increase the recycling rate of plastic waste as the separate collection of waste is adopted more widely across China.
- Develop plastic waste collection and disposal systems in rural areas.
- Promote plastic waste recycling.
- Promote construction of waste incineration plants across the country to enhance the capacity to render plastic waste harmless.
Impack: Through the national plastics pollution control plan in the next 5 years, the consumption of disposable plastic products will be significantly reduced, and alternative products will be promoted in China.