EDITORIAL: Managing the plastics problem
Publish date: 2026-01-01
The Ministry of Environment on Monday announced new plastic-reduction targets, including proposed restrictions on plastic wrapping for e-commerce and retail products. The measures mark a renewed effort to curb plastic use after years of underwhelming results.
The ministry said it has promoted plastic reduction policies since 2018, but most targets have not been met.
The new rules would improve “user pays” mechanisms, introduce economic incentives, expand the scope of regulations and enhance public education on plastic reduction, Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming (彭啟明) said.
The ministry would initially focus on encouraging greener packaging before introducing outright restrictions, Resource Circulation Administration Director-General Lai Ying-ying (賴瑩瑩) said.
Measures could include banning polyvinyl chloride containers, promoting packaging-free shopping and encouraging the adoption of reusable packaging.
The ministry said it has promoted plastic reduction policies since 2018, but most targets have not been met.
The new rules would improve “user pays” mechanisms, introduce economic incentives, expand the scope of regulations and enhance public education on plastic reduction, Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming (彭啟明) said.
The ministry would initially focus on encouraging greener packaging before introducing outright restrictions, Resource Circulation Administration Director-General Lai Ying-ying (賴瑩瑩) said.
Measures could include banning polyvinyl chloride containers, promoting packaging-free shopping and encouraging the adoption of reusable packaging.
Source: Taipei Times
