China approves amended law stipulating that products should use least amount of packaging based on 'content's quality, size and cost,' tightens government's compliance review system

Lorena Madrigal

LOS ANGELES , March 2, 2012 (Industry Intelligence) –

China has approved an amended law on packaging waste that gives businesses greater responsibility and tightens the government’s system for reviewing compliance, reported China Daily on Feb. 29.

The amended Law on the Promotion of Clean Production, which will take effect July 1, stipulates that businesses should use the least amount of packaging based on the “content’s quality, size and cost,” in an effort to cut down on waste.

The amended law was approved in a Feb. 29 vote of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, following the measure’s review by lawmakers since the first draft was tabled last October, China Daily reported.

Businesses are advised in the law to give preference to packaging that is “non-poisonous, harmless, degradable and recyclable.”

Those businesses that exceed pollution limits set by national or local rules, whose energy consumption is too high or whose production or emission process involves poisonous or harmful materials will be subject to compulsory review by Chinese authorities, reported China Daily.

Under the law, the businesses involved should report their clean production measures and results to local government authorities and also publicize them in local media.

The law clarifies the government’s duties and tightens the system for reviewing steps businesses take to attain clean production. China’s central government will establish a fund to support improvements in clean production technology in major industries and projects, according to the law.

Excessive packaging is wasting resources and polluting the environment, as well as making products more expensive, said Wang Guangtao, a Chinese legislator.

The primary source of this article is China Daily, Beijing, China, on Feb. 29, 2012.
 

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