TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Environment (MOE, 環境部) launched a new initiative on Jan. 1 to reduce plastic use by offering up to a 45% discount on recycling and disposal fees for plastic containers utilizing recycled materials or green designs. Announced in December, this measure seeks to foster a circular economy amid Taiwan's rising plastic bag consumption, which surged to 208,027 metric tons in 2023 from 146,690 metric tons in 2002.
Greenpeace (綠色和平) has advocated for further measures, emphasizing the need to address plastic pollution at its source by reducing production and usage. Chang Kai-ting (張凱婷), plastic-free project director at Greenpeace Taiwan, urged the government to reassess Taiwan's petrochemical policies to achieve its plastic reduction goals. She stated, "Plastic pollution isn't simply about waste disposal; it includes issues related to climate, biodiversity, and human health."
The MOE has set ambitious targets, aiming for a 5% decrease in single-use plastic packaging by 2030 compared to 2023 levels. It also plans to increase the proportion of recycled materials in plastic packaging and containers to 25% by 2025 and 30% by 2030.
Echoing the MOE's policy, Chang pointed out the potential in glass containers, noting that businesses using reverse logistics and refillable models could enjoy a 50% fee reduction, cutting costs from NT$2 to NT$1 per kilogram. As the government strives to achieve net-zero goals and reduce carbon emissions in five years, environmental groups stress the importance of reducing plastic production within the petrochemical industry, a consensus shared globally.