The global campaign to ban plastic bags secured its most powerful ally yet yesterday, when the Chinese government announced it will launch a major crackdown on plastic bag use from this June.
In a statement posted on the central government's website, the General Office of the State Council announced a ban on the production, sale and use of ultra-thin plastic bags that are less than 0.025mm thick. It also said that supermarkets and shops will be banned from distributing free plastic bags to customers.
"Our country consumes a large number of plastic bags," the statement said. " While convenient for consumers, the bags also lead to a severe waste of resources and environmental pollution because of their excessive use and low rate of recycling."
The notice added that the Ministry of Commerce is working with the National Development and Reform Commission to draw up more detailed regulations.
Under the crackdown, the government said it will also expand recycling facilities, increase R&D focus on plastic recycling techniques and ensure that the tax system plays "a bigger role in controlling production, sales and use of plastic bags and support recycling and comprehensive utilisation of used plastics".
The move is the latest in a series of announcements from the Chinese government designed to challenge perceptions of the country as one of the world's most irresponsible polluters. Last year it released China's first official strategy for tackling climate change, unveiled plans for a series of new eco-cities and bolstered China's position as a global leader in the booming solar energy market.
Environmental factors expected to play bigger role in policy and planning decisions after environmental agency granted ministry status 13 Mar 2008
Strategy expected to include initiatives to promote energy efficiency, accelerate clean development and prepare vulnerable regions for effects of global warming 08 Feb 2008
Chinese government expected to grant State Environmental Protection Administration ministry status 18 Jan 2008
But critics claim attempts to ban bags could prove counter productive 13 Nov 2007
Multi-billion dollar investment funds promise to help developing economies tackle climate change and provide boost to clean tech 29 Jan 2008
Government confirms carbon regulations will not be caught up in attempt to cut red tape 07 Aug 2008
Officials set out plans for more robust "additionality" rules 07 Aug 2008
Wave turbine hopes to provide prototype for 4MW project 07 Aug 2008
More news
The fast food industry is seeing growing demand for environmental sustainability. But how can investors and consumers know which restaurants are truly embracing sustainable development and which are greenwashing? Anne Moore Odell investigates 07 Aug 2008
Cynics are asking how long firms will continue with sustainability policies if the financial downturn bites harder. But, as BT's Dinah McLeod argues, a slowdown means green policies become more, not less important 05 Aug 2008
From fair trade to organic, forestry to maritime certificates, there have never been more food labels for businesses to choose from. BusinessGreen.com attempts to navigate the labelling maze 04 Aug 2008 More in-depth
Post your comment
Send an email to the Business Green editor at feedback@businessgreen.com
