How much do we know about the “plastic ban”?

Just how much do we really know about the “Plastic Restriction Order”? Following its implementation, which alternatives should we choose? And why is it now so urgent to promote fully biodegradable, completely compostable food containers? Sichuan editors have compiled these key points for you—keep reading, and you’ll find the answers right here!

Hainan Declares War on “White Pollution”

In April 2018, the “Guiding Opinions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Supporting Hainan’s Comprehensive Deepening of Reform and Opening-up” explicitly stipulated that the production, sale, and use of single-use non-degradable plastic bags and plastic tableware should be comprehensively banned throughout Hainan, and that efforts to promote green packaging in the railway transport sector should be accelerated.

On March 19, 2020, Hainan Province issued the “Prohibition List for the Production, Sale, and Use of Single-Use Non-Degradable Plastic Products in Hainan Province (First Batch),” which covers two major categories: single-use non-degradable plastic film bags and plastic tableware. By the end of 2025, the province will impose a comprehensive ban on the production, sale, and use of all plastic products listed on the prohibition list, and will fully transition to the use of biodegradable tableware.

Which plastic products are primarily prohibited?

Hainan Province’s first “Plastic Ban Catalog” covers two main categories: single-use non-degradable plastic bags and plastic tableware, as well as 10 subcategories of single-use non-degradable plastic products. These products primarily include single-use films, plastic bags, and plastic tableware made from non-degradable polymer materials such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Violations of these provisions shall be subject to penalties:

Anyone who violates these provisions shall be subject to the following penalties:

Article 20: Any entity that, in violation of the provisions of these Regulations, manufactures single-use non-degradable plastic products listed in the Prohibition Catalog shall be ordered by the market supervision and administration department of the people’s government at or above the county level to cease production; the illegally manufactured single-use non-degradable plastic products shall be confiscated; and a fine of no less than RMB 50,000 but no more than RMB 200,000 shall be imposed. If the value of the goods exceeds RMB 200,000, a fine equal to the value of the goods shall be imposed; any illegal gains shall be confiscated; and in cases of serious violations, the business license shall be revoked in accordance with the law.

Article 21: Any violation of the provisions of these Regulations involving the sale of single-use, non-degradable plastic products listed in the Prohibited Use Catalog shall be subject to an order for rectification issued by the market supervision and administration department of the people’s government at or above the county level, confiscation of the said single-use, non-degradable plastic products, and a fine ranging from RMB 30,000 to RMB 200,000; where the value of the goods exceeds RMB 200,000, a fine equal to the value of the goods shall be imposed; any illegal gains shall be confiscated; and in cases of serious circumstances, the business license shall be revoked in accordance with the law. In particular, if a retail operator sells single-use, non-degradable plastic products listed in the Prohibited Use Catalog, the market supervision and administration department of the people’s government at or above the county level shall issue an order for rectification, confiscate the said single-use, non-degradable plastic products, and impose a fine of no more than RMB 1,000.

Article 22: Any violation of the provisions of these Measures involving the transportation or storage of single-use, non-degradable plastic products listed in the Prohibited List shall be subject to confiscation by the market supervision and administration departments of people’s governments at or above the county level, together with a fine of RMB 10,000; for serious cases, a fine of more than RMB 100,000 but not exceeding RMB 1 million shall be imposed; where the value of the goods exceeds RMB 100,000, a fine equal to the value of the goods shall be imposed; and any illegal gains shall be confiscated.

Any organizations or individuals other than those specified in the preceding paragraph that use single-use, non-degradable plastic products listed on the prohibition roster shall be subject to criticism and education by the people’s government of the township or the subdistrict office; if they refuse to make corrections, the said government or office shall report the matter to the local market supervision and administration authority, which shall order them to rectify the violation, confiscate the single-use, non-degradable plastic products, and may impose a fine of no more than RMB 1,000; concurrently, an additional fine of no more than RMB 50 may also be imposed. Takeout food containers must be fully biodegradable products.

Disposable cornstarch tableware plays a vital role in conserving timber, protecting forest resources, and preserving the natural environment. Leveraging the robust production infrastructure of the existing plastics industry, it can drive the development and innovation of new products.