China to curb use of single-use plastic in logistics

China is to ban the use of single-use plastics by 2025 with a specific emphasis on retail, e-commerce and logistics.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), which is in charge of China’s macroeconomic planning, said that businesses involved in supermarkets, logistics, warehousing and e-commerce express delivery will be “encouraged to actively promote recyclable and foldable packaging products”.

The NDRC also said that businesses should strengthen corporate green management responsibility and promote green supply chains.

By the end of 2022, postal delivery outlets in Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong and other provinces will ban the use of non-degradable plastic packaging bags and disposable plastic woven bags.

By the end of 2025, non-degradable plastic packaging bags, plastic tapes, and disposable plastic woven bags will be prohibited in postal express outlets nationwide