Information 1- Vietnam responds to promote plastic circular economy
The Vietnam Circular Economy Forum mentioned that plastic waste can be reused, recycled instead of discarded, which is crucial for causing environmental damage.
Plastic recycling is an important factor in promoting a circular economy. Due to only about 33% of plastic waste being recycled, Vietnam is losing nearly 70% of the value of plastic materials, equivalent to nearly $3 billion annually. The most effective way to solve this problem is to redirect the flow so that plastic can circulate and return to life instead of being discarded. During the meeting, it was believed that plastic recycling requires design, collaboration, and awareness. In terms of design, we advocate for projects that strengthen packaging materials based on the circular economy.
Recyclable or easily biodegradable packaging, while reducing the use of recycled plastic directly and minimizing the amount of virgin plastic in packaging manufacturing. To develop a circular economy for plastic waste management, collaborate nationwide to manage the product lifecycle, improve sustainable raw material supply, raise public awareness, and promote innovation and creativity in waste management. For example, recycled plastic pellets will be used to produce new plastic bottles. Retailers and other distributors will provide customers with recycled plastic packaging and encourage them to continue sorting plastic waste after use to ensure that plastic recycling continues.
Unilever Vietnam representative introduces plastic circular economy model
Waste classification can also be popularized to the public through direct and mass media channels. Suggestions have been put forward to replicate the plastic circular economy nationwide, which requires cooperation from national institutions, collectors, recyclers, agencies, international organizations, and distributors, as well as investment in modern and effective recycling technologies for common types of plastics.
Circular economy can maintain the use of material flow for as long as possible, restoring and regenerating products and materials at the end of each production or consumption cycle. Developing a circular economy is a key solution to enhance national competitiveness, ensure sustainable production and consumption, and promote a harmonious economic environment.
Information 2- UK bans disposable plastic tableware, countries transition to biodegradable alternative materials
As the government seeks to address the increasingly serious plastic waste problem in the country and the world, the UK has banned disposable plastic tableware, plates, and other items from October and replaced them with biodegradable items. The UK has already banned some disposable plastic items, including straws, stirrers, and cotton swabs, but a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs told CNN that the government is "determined to go further, faster, reduce, reuse, and recycle more of our resources." The ban will also include disposable trays, balloon sticks, and certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers. Starting from October, people will no longer be able to purchase these products from restaurants, retailers, or food suppliers.
Last summer, the European Union banned disposable plastic sheets, tableware, straws, balloon sticks, and cotton swabs. The world's second largest country, India, banned disposable plastic items in July this year, including straws, cutlery, earplugs, packaging film, balloon plastic sticks, candies and ice cream, and cigarette packs. Later this month, it will be illegal to manufacture and import plastic bags, tableware, tableware, mixers, and straws in Canada. California implemented new comprehensive restrictions on disposable plastics in June, requiring that by 2032, all disposable packaging and plastic disposable food service products be recyclable or compostable.
The United Nations warns that if governments do not take swift action, the world will face a huge plastic pollution problem. A report released by the United Nations Environment Programme last year showed that by 2040, the amount of plastic waste entering aquatic ecosystems could nearly double, reaching up to 37 million tons per year. Disposable plastics are also accelerating climate change, as most plastics come from fossil fuels and generate emissions at every stage of their lifecycle. At the current production rate, plastic emissions threaten the world's ability to keep global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius. To address this issue, the United Nations Environment Assembly passed a historic resolution earlier this year to end plastic pollution by 2024 and establish the world's first legally binding global plastic pollution treaty.
Information 3- All EU plastic packaging will be reusable or recyclable
The recent ban on importing plastic waste into China has prompted the European Union to take action to address its own plastic waste problem. This year, the European Union announced that by 2023, all plastic packaging in the EU will be reusable or recyclable, and disposable plastics will be completely phased out. Funding will also be provided to research more sustainable plastic design and production. Plastic waste is a hot topic that urgently requires global attention every year. The consumption of plastic far exceeds the amount of plastic recycled, and excess plastic often ends up in places such as the ocean.
文章内容整理来自CNN、 VNE
Editor:Sichuan Jinzhongde Science and Technology Research Institute
Source: China Packaging Federation Plastic Packaging Committee China Packaging Federation Plastic Packaging Professional Committee
