Macau officially bans the import of disposable non-degradable plastic dishes and cups and will use degradable products instead
Macau will ban the import of disposable non-degradable plastic dishes, cups and disposable styrofoam food trays starting from January 1, 2024. Some industry representatives said that they will switch to biodegradable materials, and the cost will increase by about 30 to 50% compared with the original cost, but this will not be passed on to consumers for the time being.
In an interview with the media, Liang Shiyou, chairman of the Macau Food Industry Association, said that most of the catering industry is still using inventory. After switching to materials, packaging costs are expected to increase by 20% to 30%. It is currently difficult to do business in Minsheng District, even if the cost of takeout packaging increases. Don't dare to increase the price.
Ye Shaowen, president of the Suppliers Federation, said that the industry generally agrees with the measures, but many previous inventories will take time to be consumed. It is expected that degradable alternative materials will be gradually switched to in the second quarter, and the cost of switching to degradable packaging will be higher than before. The increase of about 30% to 50% will not be passed on to consumers for the time being. However, for packaged vegetables and fruits with lower selling prices, there may be slight price adjustments in the future.
Li Guohui, vice president of the General Chamber of Commerce of Small and Medium Enterprises, said that the government held meetings and communicated with the industry before implementing the measures. Given sufficient connection time, the industry was generally willing to respond to environmental protection and hoped that government departments would continue to do a good job in publicity and promotion.
Macau has banned the import of non-degradable disposable plastic knives, forks and spoons from January 1, 2023; the import and transshipment of non-degradable disposable plastic catering straws and beverage stir sticks from January 1, 2022; in 2021 Starting from January 1, the import and transshipment of disposable foam tableware (including lunch boxes, bowls, cups, and plates) will be prohibited.
