New regulations for degradable plastics are released, where is the development direction of the plasticization industry?

UK: Supermarkets will fully introduce a deposit system for plastic bottles and cans

The UK government recently launched plans to introduce a deposit system in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, starting on 1 October 2025. After the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) completes a consultation on the regulations, its deposit regulations will be in place by the end of 2023, with the deposit system officially starting on 1 October 2025.

DEFRA confirmed that the deposit system in England and Northern Ireland will cover PET, steel and aluminium drink containers, but not glass bottles, as the government believes it will add complexity and challenges, particularly in the retail and hospitality industries. The Welsh mechanism will include glass bottles. The containers covered in all three areas are 50 ml to 3 l solvent.

Another step is for the government to appoint a deposit management organization, with a deadline of summer 2024. The collection rate is targeted at 90% for the first three-year reporting period and annually thereafter.

Australia: Victoria will ban single-use plastic products

According to the Daily Mail on January 27, the Australian state of Victoria will ban the use of single-use plastic products, including cutlery, straws and other items, from February 1, 2023. Companies that violate the rules could be fined up to $54,000 (366,000 yuan).

Starting February 1, it will be illegal to supply or sell single-use plastic straws, drink mixers, cutlery, plates and cotton swabs in the Australian state of Victoria. Businesses caught using the items will be fined $1,849. Under the ban, companies could face a maximum fine of $54,000, but only in rare cases, such as when companies knowingly sell single-use plastic products as reusable items. Individuals who violate the rules could face a $370 fine, though the government says only those who repeatedly violate the rules will be punished.