China bans free plastic bags at shops from June

09 January 2008 04:54  [Source: ICIS news]

SINGAPORE (ICIS news)--China has banned shops from giving out free plastic bags and the production of ultra-thin ones starting from 1 June to prevent pollution and encourage recycling.

The country will not produce, sell or use plastic bags thinner than 0.025mm, China top legislative body said in a statement on the government’s website.

These bags tore easily and were usually thrown away, causing pollution, the State Council added.

Supermarkets and shops, where most plastic bags were used, would not be allowed to distribute any carriers for free, it said.

Consumers were encouraged to use reusable bags and to recycle more, it added.

The environment bureau has also been tasked to increase plastic recycling efforts by setting up more collection points, the council said, adding that financial bodies have to come up with a tax system to control waste plastics pollution soon.

By: Florence Tan
+65 6780 4359

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