Martial Arts “China, withdrawal of disposable plastics and plastics in earnest… Opportunity to enter eco-friendly companies”

Enter 2021.01.19 06:00

As the system banning the use of disposable plastic products in China’s provinces began in earnest from this year, it was analyzed that it is an opportunity for Korean eco-friendly companies to dominate the market.

According to the “Status and Implications of the China Plastics Restriction Policy Implementation Status and Implications” announced by the Chengdu Branch of the Korea International Trade Association on the 19th, the “Plastic Pollution Control Reinforcement Plan” by the Chinese government took effect on January 1 this year. Accordingly, the production and sale of foamed plastic food containers and plastic cotton swabs were banned in all regions of China.

In addition, production of shampoos, conditioners, hand sanitizers, soaps, scrubs, and toothpastes containing fine plastic particles have been banned from the new year, and sales will be banned from 2023. In addition, plastic bags that cannot be decomposed, disposable plastic tableware, and plastic packaging for courier services cannot be used in major cities such as cities under direct control from this year, and restrictions will be extended to most regions of China from 2026.

In relation to the Chinese government, in September last year, the People’s Republic of China Solid Pollution Environment Control Act, which aims to impose a fine of up to 100,000 yuan (approximately 17 million won) for violating the production, sale, and use of disposable plastic products. Announced.

Companies in related fields such as catering, hotels, supermarkets, and parcel delivery in China have also hurried to respond. Since last year, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and Sicha introduced paper straws and biodegradable plastic bags instead of plastic straws, tableware, and plastic bags. The food delivery platform, Meitou (美团), has created an eco-friendly packaging solution and is providing it to stores, and is developing a lunch box collection system. Wal-Mart stopped providing non-degradable plastic bags in all cities under its direct control, and the Accor Hotel Group decided to provide biodegradable disposable toiletries starting this year.

China is the world’s number one producer and consumer of plastic products. The amount of vinyl tape used only by the Chinese courier industry alone amounts to 43 billion meters. In this situation, as the Chinese government has phased out the use and production of disposable plastic products, the trade association predicts that the demand for alternative products will increase rapidly.

Go Beom-seo, head of the Chengdu branch of the International Trade Association, said, “As our country has already been leading in related fields, such as selling cosmetics that do not contain microplastics since 2017, we must actively dominate the market by emphasizing eco-friendliness and high stability.”