China to further curb over-packaging

The State Council released a circular on Sept 8, calling for further efforts to prevent over-packaging of goods.

The circular said a whole-chain administration system on over-packaging will be established by 2025, with improvements to be made in corresponding laws and regulations, standard systems, and industrial management.

Packaging producers should provide overall solutions that are reasonably designed, easy to recycle, cost less and save materials.

In production, manufacturers should operate in accordance with mandatory standards for restricting excessive packaging of goods. Drug manufacturers should optimize drug packaging specifications.

Sellers should be encouraged to require suppliers to provide simple and environment-friendly packaging, with strengthened supervision and guidance on the operation of e-commerce enterprises. Takeout food platforms should improve rules to require operators to cut down on the amount of packaging.

Delivery companies are encouraged to utilize light and sturdy cartons, according to the document.

For recycling, systems for renewable resource recycling and waste collection and transportation will be further improved.

The circular calls for robust supervision and law enforcement, related support systems, and strong leadership for the implementation.