China Begins Full-Scale Ban on Single-Use Plastics and Vinyl

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] With the ban on single-use plastic products being fully implemented in various provinces across China from the new year, there are calls for Korean eco-friendly companies to actively enter the market.

According to the 'Implementation Status and Implications of China's Plastic Restriction Policies' published on the 19th by the Korea International Trade Association Chengdu Branch, following the 'Proposal to Strengthen Plastic Pollution Management' announced by the Chinese government in January last year, the production and sale of foam plastic food containers and plastic cotton swabs have been banned nationwide in China since January 1 of this year.

Shampoos, rinses, hand sanitizers, soaps, scrubs, toothpaste, and other products containing microplastic particles for cleansing effects have also been banned from production starting this year, with sales prohibited from 2023. Additionally, non-degradable plastic bags frequently used in stores and food delivery have been banned in major cities such as municipalities since 2021, and their use will be prohibited in most regions of China from 2026. The ban on single-use plastic tableware and plastic packaging for delivery began in major cities in 2021 and will expand nationwide by 2026.

Furthermore, in September last year, the Chinese government announced the 'Solid Waste Pollution Environmental Prevention Law of the People's Republic of China,' which imposes fines of up to 100,000 yuan (approximately 17 million KRW) for violations of production, sale, or use restrictions on single-use plastic products, demonstrating a strong commitment to managing plastic pollution.

Accordingly, companies in related sectors such as food service, hotels, supermarkets, and delivery services have quickly responded. McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and Xicha (喜茶) have banned the use of plastic straws, tableware, and plastic bags since last year and have introduced paper straws and biodegradable plastic bags. The food delivery platform Meituan (美?) has developed eco-friendly packaging solutions for its partner stores and is also developing a lunchbox collection system. Walmart has stopped providing non-degradable plastic bags in all municipalities, and the Accor Hotel Group plans to provide biodegradable single-use toiletries starting this year.

Go Beom-seo, head of the Korea International Trade Association Chengdu Branch, said, "Following government policies, demand for plastic alternative products and eco-friendly biodegradable plastic products in China is expected to surge. Since Korea has already been leading in related fields, such as selling cosmetics without microplastics since 2017, we must actively emphasize eco-friendliness and high safety to secure market leadership."