In recent years, as pollution and environmental destruction have reached their highest levels, various countries have enacted new environmental laws to address this issue. The environmental crisis is very serious and directly affects all aspects of our lives.

New environmental laws related to plastics in various countries

Here we discuss some laws related to plastics in different countries:

1- European Union

Two laws related to plastics have been enacted in the European Union, one of which is a circular economy program. In this law, the European Union has implemented support programs for the production of biodegradable and recyclable plastics. Since July 2021, the production and use of single-use plastic products such as plastic straws, spoons, and polystyrene cups have been banned in the European Union. These laws aim to reduce marine litter and increase plastic recycling. This highlights the importance of recycling. Most common plastics, such as freezer bags, are recyclable. Even biodegradable types are being produced.

2- Indian Subcontinent

In India, a year after Europe, from July 2022, the use of single-use plastic products was declared prohibited. This action was taken to reduce the crisis of plastic waste and promote the use of environmentally friendly alternative materials.

3- United States

As you know, the United States is a federal country and laws can vary in different states. States like California and New York have implemented very strict laws to reduce the consumption of plastic bags and promote the use of sustainable plastics. These laws include taxes on plastic products and incentives for recycling. Recycling, once again, has become a very important matter.

4- Canada

As part of the plastic pollution reduction strategy in this country, the ban on some problematic plastics was in 2023. Canada banned the use of six types of problematic plastics, including plastic bags and beverage straws, in 2023.

5- China

Since 2020, China has initiated a program to gradually reduce plastic consumption. This program includes a ban on non-recyclable plastic bags in major cities and incentives for producing sustainable plastics.

6- Iran

Around 185,000 tons of plastic are produced annually in Iran, requiring effective collection and recycling. In Iran, standards have been set to reduce the consumption of non-recyclable plastics, including:

According to IRNA's report in December 1402, the National Standards Organization of Iran has developed a standard titled "Biodegradable Plastics; Characteristics and Test Methods". This standard aims to specify the characteristics and test methods of biodegradable plastics to reduce the environmental impacts of plastic use. Laws related to waste management emphasize recycling and reducing the consumption of plastic bags.

According to the Iranian Polymer Society website, Iran faces challenges arising from international regulations, such as the "Control of Plastic Pollution" bill raised at various international conferences like INC-1 in 2022 and INC-2 in 2023. These regulations aim to reduce the production of fossil-based plastics.

Response to new environmental laws with biodegradable and recyclable plastics

To reduce environmental pollution and comply with new stringent laws, biodegradable and recyclable plastics have been proposed as one of the main solutions. The raw materials of these plastics are capable of decomposing in nature and, under appropriate conditions (moisture, temperature, and specific microorganisms), decompose in a shorter time frame. Therefore, instead of persisting in the environment for a long time, they transform into simpler natural substances like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. Biomass refers to organic materials that can be used to produce energy. Biomass can be used as a renewable energy source in electricity production, biofuels, or heat. Recycling, which is heavily emphasized, is the best way to combat these issues.

Examples of biodegradable and recyclable plastics

Polylactic Acid (PLA): This plastic is produced from corn starch and is suitable for food packaging.

Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate: Flexible and suitable for biodegradable plastic bags.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates: Produced by bacteria from organic sources and used in medical purposes and packaging.

Challenges of using biodegradable and recyclable plastics

Producing these types of plastics is very costly. Biobased raw materials and advanced production technologies are expensive. Additionally, many of these plastics require specific conditions for complete decomposition, which are not always available in the natural environment. Another important issue is competition with food agriculture. Using agricultural products to produce plastics may put pressure on food resources.

Role of consumers in implementing new environmental laws related to plastics

Consumers play a crucial role in the effective implementation of new environmental laws related to plastics. Awareness, behavior change, recycling, and pressure on governmental entities and companies to take more effective actions are among the things citizens can do. Information about biodegradable plastics, recycling, and proper use of plastics can have a significant impact on consumer behavior. By choosing environmentally friendly packaging, reducing the use of single-use plastics, and using reusable bags, consumers can help reduce the production and consumption of harmful plastics. Additionally, consumers can play a role in reducing plastic pollution by actively participating in recycling programs, returning recyclable plastics, and ensuring proper separation of plastic materials.

Challenges of exporting plastics with new international environmental laws

The Basel Convention has introduced changes regarding the trade of plastics, which entered into force on January 1, 2021. According to these laws, the export of many types of plastic waste, both hazardous and non-hazardous, requires prior consent and notification to relevant authorities. This law complicates international plastic trade and increases export costs. Many international agreements are also underway, such as the Global Plastic Agreement, which aims to reduce global plastic pollution by limiting the use of single-use plastics and increasing recycling. These regulations can lead to significant changes in the plastic trade, as countries may need to comply with new standards.

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