China produces millions of tonnes on plastic waste globally each year. Over the years there has been a massive increase in the amount of biodegradable plastic produced in China. However, it is not outpacing the country’s ability to degrade the material, despite introducing bans on several types on non-biodegradable single use plastics.
According to Greepeace, 36 companies in China have planned or built new biodegradable plastic manufacturing units which helped decrease more than 4.4 million tonnes per year- reducing the amount of material by 70% in less than 12 months
China aims to generate an estimated 5 million tonnes of biodegradable plastic waste by the year 2025.
Biodegradable plastics can be broken down by living organisms in the soil, but still require specific industrial treatments at high temperatures and will take six months to degrade. The material will take a long time to degrade and will still release carbon into the atmosphere.
Chinese president Xi Jinping has stressed on the importance of reducing plastic waste during his recent speeches to the public and press, However, many major cities have little or no infrastructure in place to take over the expansion of biodegradable plastic production.
China has been shipping the waste to other countries to help reduce degradation. US, Europe and Japan were some of the provinces taking over to help degrade the plastic.
By Meena Atmakuri
