Discussion on Packaging Recycling Management Methods Packaging Cost Limitation Controversial

On August 26, the draft circular economy law that was first submitted to the National People's Congress Standing Committee for review was called to stop the phenomenon of “excessive packaging” and “luxury packaging” that waste resources and pollute the environment. On August 28th, as the main activity of the Northeast China Packaging and Printing Industry International Forum, a national experts seminar on packaging recycling management was held in Shen. Experts from the conference conducted a special discussion on management methods. In particular, heated discussions have focused on issues such as cost limitations and responsibility for packaging.

Recycling Enterprise Design Entry

The relevant person in charge of the Shenyang Municipal Recycling Resources Management Office suggested that a method for the management of the recycling of packaging materials should set a threshold for entry of reprocessing companies. For example, he said that at the northwest side of the flood zone, there are 300 to 500 processing companies that have recycled and processed PET bottles (beverage bottles) that are certified and unlicensed. Most of them are small businesses that recycle and recycle, and the source and destination of recycled items are not clear. The responsible person suggested that the new approach should set a barrier for these companies to enter the recycling field.

Enterprises should recycle packaging

The data shows that China has become the third largest packaging country in the world, but at the same time waste in packaging is also serious. According to the draft of the publicly announced regulation on the management of the collection of packaging materials, companies in various industries must assume responsibility for the recovery of packaging while selling products. This means that manufacturers such as instant noodles and canned goods should also recycle packaging materials such as plastic bags and glass jars while selling products.

Packaging Cost Limits Controversy

In response to issues such as "excessive packaging", the draft of the Measures also states: "The cost of packaging must not exceed 25% of the cost of the product itself." However, some representatives from the beverage industry pointed out that the aforementioned provisions do not meet the actual conditions of production in the beverage industry. The most typical bottled drinking water, the cost of plastic bottles is much higher than 25%. In view of the increase in the cost of raw materials, beverage companies have become more and more burdened and profits have decreased year by year. If all the responsibility for packaging recovery is placed on the sales company, the operating costs of the company will inevitably increase, which is not conducive to the development of the industry.

Prof. Lu Mingzhong of the School of the Environment of Renmin University of China also suggested that some packages should be recycled with the nature of environmental remediation. The government should pay the bill and subsidize it at individual points.