Tableware made from PLA is to be outlawed from 1 August

Taiwan recently concurred that it will ban the use of utensils made from polylactide (PLA), a plant-based bioplastic starting from 1 August 2023 at eateries, retail stores and publicly run institutions, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) said on Thursday.

According to EPA, violators will be subject to fines between NT$1200-6000 under the Waste Disposal Act.

The nation first banned plastic tableware some 20 years ago, in 2002 at eight venues; public agencies, public and private schools, department stores and shopping centers, hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, fast food chains and restaurants.

The regulations were then revised in 2006 to forbid the distribution of single-use tableware containing materials other than plastic for on-site dining at schools and public agencies.

Initially, PLA materials were perceived to be more biodegradable, however, it was later confirmed that notion was only true under certain conditions. On top of that, currently, there are no suitable facilities in Taiwan for recycling PLA.

Further alterations were added to the regulation in 2019 that outlawed plastic straws not made by PLA at public agencies, schools, department stores, shopping centers and fast food outlets. Additionally, the distribution of single-use tableware made of any materials for on-site dining was completely banned at the eight venues mentioned above.

Details of the draft were first released on 1 February 2023 and will now be implemented on 1 August after a six-month review period.