Hainan leads nation in banning plastics

A ban on the use, production and sale of disposable non-degradable plastic products took effect in Hainan province on Tuesday, making the island province the nation's first to adopt a ban that promotes a green lifestyle, according to local ecological and environmental authorities.

The first batch of items to be banned include products such as disposable plastic bags, packaging bags, meal boxes, bowls, drink cups and straws made from non-biodegradable polymers such as polythene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

On the list of substitutes are such items as biodegradable plastic bags, bags made of paper or cloth and reusable baskets made of plastic or other material such as wicker or bamboo.

A new rule — Regulation of Hainan Special Economic Zone on the Prohibition of Disposable Non-degradable Plastic Products — stipulates that starting Tuesday the use, production and sale of non-degradable plastic bags, plastic dining utensils and other disposable non-degradable plastics will be banned across the province and economic zone.

A list of banned items, which will be expanded in a timely manner in accordance with local needs, was drawn up to help promote the national ecological civilization pilot zone on the island province and ensure that Hainan has a first-class environment, local officials said.

In August, government institutions, State-owned enterprises, schools, tourist attractions, large supermarkets, hospitals and others, including express delivery companies, abandoned the use of plastic bags in a trial effort across Hainan. About 350 tons of substitutes were sold, according to the leading group in charge of the program.