Social Challenge: Packaging Waste in China
How might we reduce packaging waste in China?
Why is
this important?
Packaging wastes are economically inefficient and wasted resources - they account for over USD 41 billion a year in China. These wastes are also environmentally damaging for they are mostly dumped in the landfills or incinerated, with no efficient disposal method.
Background
Packaging waste is what is thrown away after a product is purchased,
which makes up a large part of municipal waste. In 2005, China's annual
city waste production was as high as 150 million tonnes and predicted
to increase annually by 8-10%. Waste production per capita is much
higher than EU countries.
Status
Quo
Starting from June 2008, a law has been passed to prohibit retail stores from giving out plastic bags and to ban the production of ultra-thin plastic bags. Despite a 66% reduction, open markets and commune groceries still give out plastic bags, with compliance fine hardly enforced. Another draft regulation that sets limit on excessive product packaging is also introduced, but this faces heavy opposition within the business community. Import of plastic wastes is also banned by law, but illegal smuggling still exists.
Solution 2: Shanghai Transportation Card
- allow consumers to collect points on transport card when purchasing reduced packaging goods.
- pilot idea during 2010 Shanghai Expo
