China’s single-use plastic ban explained

China is implementing a new policy to ban plastic bags in major cities by 2020 and in all towns by 2022, with exemptions for fresh produce markets until 2025. Restaurants will stop providing single-use straws by the end of the year, and take-away services will eliminate single-use utensils by 2025. The restaurant industry aims to cut single-use plastic consumption by 30% over five years. Other plastics, like courier packaging, will be phased out by 2025. Additionally, the production and sale of very thin plastic bags and films will be banned.

What is the new policy regarding plastic bags in Chinese cities?

By what year will restaurants be banned from providing single-use straws?

What percentage does China aim to reduce single-use plastic consumption in its restaurant industry?

What types of plastic items will be phased out by the end of 2025?

What is the thickness limit for plastic bags that will be banned in China?