Reducing single-use items and packaging for all products is to be prioritized in the next phase of the government’s waste reduction strategy, the Ministry of Environment said today.
The ministry launched an online platform in July and August to gather opinions regarding how to reduce single-use products.
Partly based on these suggestions, a new strategy for reducing single-use products would be proposed by the end of the year, it said today.
Photo: CNA
In addition, new strategies for reducing plastics would also be announced by the end of the year, with packaging as one of the key priorities for the next stage, Resource Circulation Administration Director Chen Yen-nan (陳彥男) said.
The ministry previously only required e-commerce products and commercial gift boxes — such as those for cakes, cosmetics and alcohol — to meet limits on packaging layers and volume, Chen said.
Moving forward, the ministry is to implement restrictions on packaging more broadly, setting reduction standards across all types of products, he said.
Common issues with packaging include a high proportion of plastic, lots of empty space inside and overpackaging, the ministry said.
Some industries prioritize branding and visual appeal, making them less willing to reduce packaging, which ultimately creates more waste and uses more resources, it said.
The rapid growth of online shopping has also significantly increased demand for packaging, the ministry said.
Most shipments use plastic bubble bags, packaging tape and composite materials, which usually end up in incinerators as they are lightweight and lack economic recycling value, it said.
In addition, most e-commerce packaging is not clearly labeled, so customers are unsure of whether it is recyclable or how to best dispose of it, it added.
The agency on Friday last week formed an alliance on sustainable product packaging, bringing together 23 manufacturers, packaging suppliers, importers, retailers and industry associations to promote packaging reduction across the supply chain.
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