Unrecyclable plastic ban in Taiwan on hold

21-Nov-06

The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) had announced last year that the use of plastic containers made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) would be banned in Taiwan starting in February. The reason for this ban was that these plastic containers get easily contaminated by residues of the products they contain, often making them unrecyclable. To replace the banned materials, the EPA planned to permit the use of containers made of biodegradable materials like polylactic acid, paper or bamboo. However, this policy of the EPA has received a lot of flak from various agencies including environmentalists, retailers and representatives of the plastic industry who opine that the policy needs to be suspended. Hence this policy of the (EPA) prohibiting the use of plastic containers and trays for eggs, produce and pastries may face another delay. Many have criticized the policy, saying it has deviated from its original legislative purpose. The purpose should be to limit the use of non-recyclable plastic packaging materials, rather than limiting the use of plastic. This policy could have negative impact on other industries. Egg farmers, with already meager profits would suffer further, since the policy would require additional expenditures for packaging materials. If enforced, the policy will apply to government organizations, department stores, shopping malls, hypermarkets, mid-size supermarkets, retail chain stores and fast food restaurants. The administration has decided, however, to postpone the implementation of the policy as it failed to secure support from the private sector.