In today’s global economy, developed nations emphasize a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of products to evaluate their impact on resources, energy use, and the environment throughout their entire lifespan—from raw material extraction and transportation to manufacturing, distribution, usage, and waste disposal. This approach allows governments and industries to refine policies, technology choices, and product designs, ensuring sustainable economic growth while minimizing environmental harm.
LCA studies have shown that plastic packaging materials offer significant advantages over traditional alternatives in terms of energy efficiency, resource conservation, reduced waste generation, and lower environmental burdens. The widespread adoption of plastic packaging reflects technological advancement and modernization. As environmental concerns grow, energy scarcity becomes more pressing, and societal demand increases, plastic materials are positioned to play an even greater role in packaging—though they also face increasing scrutiny and challenges.
According to partial data, China's plastic packaging waste has become a growing concern. In 1998 alone, the country produced over 15 million tons of plastic products, with 26% used for packaging—more than 3 million tons. A large portion of this was single-use plastic packaging, which is difficult to recycle due to its low value, wide dispersion, and high volume. As a result, most end up as waste. In major Chinese cities, the proportion of plastic waste in municipal solid waste (MSW) has been steadily increasing.
For instance, in Beijing, daily garbage production reaches around 12,000 tons, with plastic waste making up about 3%. In Shanghai, daily waste exceeds 10,000 tons, and plastic constitutes roughly 7%. Among these, polystyrene (EPS) food containers and ultra-thin plastic bags—commonly found in markets and discarded carelessly—are major contributors to environmental pollution, often referred to as “white pollution†due to their visual impact on landscapes.
In response, the Chinese government enacted the "Solid Waste Disposal Law of the People's Republic of China" in 1996, mandating that plastic films and disposable products be easily recyclable, manageable, or environmentally degradable. That same year, the Ministry of Railways banned the use of EPS tableware on trains. In 1998, the Ministry of Communications extended the ban to passenger ships on the Yangtze River and Taihu Lake. Several cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Dalian, and Changchun, also implemented local bans on EPS tableware and plastic bags.
In recent years, the plastics and packaging industries in China have actively explored solutions and established various initiatives. For example, the "Plastic Recycling Professional Committee" was formed under the China Plastics Processing Industry Association, while the "Foam Plastics Professional Committee" was launched to create a national recycling system for disposable foam tableware. Additionally, the "Degradable Plastics Research Association" and the "Degradable Plastics Branch" were established to promote eco-friendly alternatives.
The government has also included research into plastic recycling and biodegradable plastics in key national and regional science and technology plans, such as the "Eighth Five-Year Plan" and "Ninth Five-Year Plan." By integrating industry, academia, and research, efforts are being made to develop advanced technologies and address the growing issue of plastic waste.
As a relatively new sector, the plastic packaging industry is expanding rapidly, outpacing traditional packaging materials. According to the Freedonia Group, the U.S. packaging market saw an average annual growth rate of 4.4% for plastics compared to just 0.4% for paper from 1987 to 1999. While awareness of environmental issues is rising, there remains some misunderstanding and bias regarding plastic packaging. To manage it properly, it is essential to address these misconceptions and recognize both the benefits and challenges associated with plastic materials.
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