China takes first step to banning single-use utensils, plastic bags

China’s National Development and Reform Commission has revealed plans to cut the production and use of single-use plastic in China in the next five years.

By the end of this year, supermarkets, shopping malls and food delivery services will not be allowed to use non-degradable plastic bags. Disposable plastic used in e-commerce, express deliveries and takeaway food will be limited in 2022.

The country will also completely ban the import of plastic waste, said a spokesperson from the commission.

According to Bloomberg, by 2022, some delivery services in major cities including Beijing and Shanghai will be forbidden from using non-degradable packaging, with the ban extended to the whole country by 2025.