Here’s a structured overview of current policies worldwide, categorized by region/country:
1. European Union (EU)
– Conventional Plastic Bags:
– Banned or heavily taxed in most member states (e.g., France, Italy) under the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (2019/904). Retailers must phase out lightweight plastic bags.
– Plastic Tax: €0.80/kg levy on non-recyclable plastic packaging since 2021, incentivizing alternatives.
– Compostable/Biodegradable Bags:
– Must comply with EN 13432 (industrial composting) or NFT 51-800 (home composting). Products certified with the Seedling logo (🌱) or OK Compost mark are exempt from bans.
– Spain and Greece mandate recycled content in compostable bags to qualify for tax exemptions.
2. United States
– Conventional Plastic Bags:
– Banned in 12 states (e.g., California, New York) and major cities. Fees ($0.05–$0.10 per bag) apply in others.
– Federal focus on reducing single-use plastics through the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act (2023 draft).
– Compostable/Biodegradable Bags:
– Must meet ASTM D6400 standards. BPI certification is required for commercial composting.
– States like California prioritize compostable packaging in waste management programs.
3. Australia
– Conventional Plastic Bags:
– Nationwide ban on lightweight bags (<35 microns) since 2018. Retailers face fines for non-compliance.
– Compostable/Biodegradable Bags:
– Must adhere to AS 4736 (industrial) or AS 5810 (home composting). Products with the ABA Compostable mark are exempt from bans.
– Government subsidies for businesses adopting certified compostable packaging.
4. United Kingdom
– Conventional Plastic Bags:
– Charged £0.10 per bag in all retailers since 2015; extended to include small businesses in 2023.
– Compostable/Biodegradable Bags:
– Must comply with BS EN 13432. REAL Compostable certification aligns with post-Brexit standards.
– Exempt from the Plastic Packaging Tax (£200/tonne) if certified.
5. China
– Conventional Plastic Bags:
– Nationwide ban on ultra-thin bags (<0.025mm) since 2008. Major cities (e.g., Shanghai) enforce stricter bans.
– Compostable/Biodegradable Bags:
– Promoted under the 2025 Plastic Pollution Control Plan. Requires GB/T 38082-2019 certification.
6. India
– Conventional Plastic Bags:
– National ban on single-use plastics (including bags <75 microns) since 2022. Penalties for manufacturers and users.
– Compostable/Biodegradable Bags:
– Must meet ISO 17088 standards. Subsidies for certified producers under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
7. Canada
– Conventional Plastic Bags:
– Federal ban on single-use plastics (including bags) effective December 2023.
– Compostable/Biodegradable Bags:
– Requires BNQ 9011-911/2017 certification. Exempt from bans if certified.
Key Trends
1. Taxes/Bans: Over 60 countries have banned or taxed conventional plastic bags.
2. Certification Mandates: Compostable/biodegradable bags must meet regional standards (e.g., EN 13432, ASTM D6400).
3. Recycled Content Rules: Some regions (e.g., EU) require recycled materials in compostable products.
For detailed compliance steps, consult official certification bodies (e.g., BPI, ABA) or regional environmental agencies.
