Taiwan’s single-use plastic ban is now in effect! Taiwan is the birthplace of boba, or bubble tea. Bubble tea shops are oftentimes grab-and-go establishments, which up until recently meant using single-use plastics. As of September 1, 2024, the nationwide ban on plastic cups is now in effect.
So what does this ban mean for the bubble tea capital of the world? Read on to learn more!
The Ban
Similar to Canada, Taiwan aims to be plastic free by 2030. In 2020, an estimated 2.2 billion single-use plastic cups were used in Taiwan. Shops now have to pivot to paper or fibre-based cups, encourage customers to bring their own reusable cups or offer a reusable cup service. The Taiwanese Ministry of Environment (MOENV) estimates with the ban, 790 million paper cups will be used every year!
Taiwan is also implementing a reusable cup rental program, similar to the one Ottawa is slowly implementing. Customers can rent the reusable cups at one location and return them at other participating locations. As of July 2023, the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) also banned the use of plastic packaging materials!
Why Shine A Spotlight On Taiwan?
Though Taiwan isn’t one of the leading manufacturers of plastic, in 2021 they were one of the leading manufacturers of plastic producing machinery. Overall, Asia is the largest producer of plastic worldwide. Additionally, Taiwan was once known for having a very strong plastics industry, making the country’s commitment to eliminate single-use plastic even more significant.
The MOENV is also a fairly new ministerial body in the Taiwanese government, with its inauguration in 2023. This affords it more funding and extended powers within the government. Having this ministry in place throughout the rollout of Taiwan’s single-use plastic ban will ensure that the milestones set in the plan are achieved.
Comparing to Canada
Taiwan’s single-use plastic ban goals are similar to the goals that Canada and other countries have set in place. Starting small with items like plastic bags and other takeout containers helps provide stepping stones to the larger goal of being plastic-free! To learn more about Canada’s plastic ban and the ways that other countries are approaching going plastic free, check out our blog!
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