In recent years, as pollution and environmental degradation have reached their highest levels, various countries have enacted new environmental laws to address this issue. The environmental crisis is very serious and has directly affected the lives of each of us.

New environmental laws related to plastics in different countries

Here we discuss a few laws related to plastics in various countries:

1- European Union

Two laws regarding plastics have been enacted in the European Union; one is the circular economy program. Under this law, the European Union has implemented support programs for the production of biodegradable and recyclable plastics. As of July 2021, the production and use of single-use plastic products such as straws, plastic spoons and forks, and polystyrene cups have been banned in the European Union. These laws aim to reduce marine waste and increase plastic recycling. This highlights the importance of recycling. Of course, most common plastics, such as freezer bags, are recyclable. Even their biodegradable types are produced.

2- Indian Subcontinent

In India, the use of single-use plastic products was banned a year after Europe, starting from July 2022. This action was taken to reduce the plastic waste crisis 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. In states like California and New York, very strict laws have been implemented to reduce the consumption of plastic bags and promote the use of sustainable plastics. These laws include taxes on plastic products and encouragement for recycling. Once again, recycling has become a very important matter.

4- Canada

Part of the strategy to reduce plastic pollution in this country was the ban on certain problematic plastics in 2023. Canada banned the use of six types of problematic plastics, including plastic bags and drinking straws, in 2023.

5- China

In China, a program to gradually reduce plastic consumption has been initiated since 2020. This program includes a ban on the use of non-recyclable plastic bags in large cities and encourages the production of sustainable plastics.

6- Iran

Approximately 185,000 tons of plastic are produced annually in Iran, which requires effective collection and recycling. In Iran, standards have also been established to reduce the consumption of non-recyclable plastics, including:

According to a report by IRNA in January 2024, the National Standard Organization of Iran has developed a standard titled “Biodegradable Plastics; Characteristics and Testing Methods.” This standard aims to specify the properties and testing methods of biodegradable plastics to reduce the environmental impacts caused by the use of plastics. Waste management laws place significant emphasis on recycling and reducing the consumption of plastic bags.

According to a report from the Iran Polymer Association website, Iran faces challenges arising from international regulations, such as the “Plastic Pollution Control” bill, which has been raised at various international meetings like INC-1 in 2022 and INC-2 in 2023. These regulations aim to reduce the production of fossil fuel-based plastics.

Response to new environmental laws with biodegradable and recyclable plastics

To reduce environmental pollution and respond to the new stringent laws, biodegradable plastics have been proposed as one of the main solutions. The raw materials of these plastics are capable of decomposing in nature and, under suitable conditions (humidity, temperature, and specific microorganisms), decompose in a shorter time frame. As a result, they have the ability to convert into simpler natural materials such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass instead of persisting in the environment for a long time. Biomass refers to organic materials from which energy can be produced. Biomass can be used as a renewable energy source in electricity generation, biofuels, or heating. Recycling, which has been heavily emphasized, is the best way to tackle these problems.

Some examples of biodegradable plastics

Polylactic acid: 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 applications and packaging.

Challenges of using biodegradable plastics

The production of these types of plastics is very costly. The 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 the competition that arises with food agriculture. Using agricultural products to produce plastics may put pressure on food resources.

The role of consumers in implementing new environmental laws related to plastics

Consumers play a very fundamental role in the effective implementation of new environmental laws related to plastics. Awareness, behavior change, recycling, and pressuring government bodies and companies to take more effective actions are among the actions that citizens can take. Information about biodegradable plastics, recycling, and the correct use of plastics can significantly influence consumer behavior. By choosing products with 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 participate actively in recycling programs, return recyclable plastics, and ensure the proper separation of plastic materials to play a role in reducing plastic pollution.

Challenges of exporting plastics with new international environmental laws

The Basel Convention has made changes regarding the trade of plastics, which came into effect on January 1, 2021. According to these laws, the export of many types of plastic waste, whether hazardous or non-hazardous, requires prior approval and notification to the relevant authorities. This law complicates international plastic trade and increases export costs. Many international agreements are also underway, such as the global plastic agreement aimed at reducing global plastic pollution by limiting the use of single-use plastics and increasing recycling. These regulations could lead to significant changes in plastic trade, as countries may need to comply with new standards.

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