Policy & Research Updates

Plastic Shopping Bags: No Longer Free

Expanded to 14 regulated categories including retail, e-commerce, and food delivery. Thickness thresholds removed; even biodegradable materials may not be provided free of charge.

Taiwan Generated 2.539 Million Tonnes of Plastic Waste in 2023

According to Ministry of Environment statistics, Taiwan produces a large volume of plastic waste annually, with significant room to improve recycling and recovery rates. Promoting bio-based substitute materials is a stated policy priority.

Taiwan's First Wildlife Habitat Microplastics Survey

Greenpeace, together with NTU, NCHU, and nearly 10 research teams, documented microplastic contamination in habitats of six protected species, confirming widespread microplastic pollution in Taiwan's natural environments.

Taiwan's Plastic Waste Imports Surge

Following China's 2018 ban on plastic waste imports, Taiwan's import volume temporarily spiked to 429,000 tonnes, demonstrating that global plastic waste management pressures have directly impacted Taiwan's environment.

Compostable Packaging Market to Reach US$153 Billion by 2034

Driven by regulatory pressure and brand ESG commitments, the global compostable packaging market is projected to grow from US$85.4 billion in 2025 to US$153 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 6.77%.

Microplastics & Human Health

Research compiled by Taiwan Watch Institute indicates microplastics have been detected in human blood, lungs, and placenta, with links to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and neurotoxicity — underscoring the public health importance of bio-based material substitution.

Taiwan Mulch Film Recovery Difficult; Compostable Film Emerges as Solution

Taiwan has long struggled with agricultural plastic film recovery and disposal. The Environment Info Center reports that compostable agricultural mulch film is now commercially available and fully degrades in soil within one year — a no-retrieval alternative for farmers.

Ministry of Agriculture Establishes Cross-Agency Agricultural Plastic Recovery System

In 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture published guidelines for field collection, transport, and cleaning of reusable agricultural plastics, and partnered with the Ministry of Environment to tighten mulch film recovery inspection and penalties.

UNEP: Agricultural Plastic Mulch Film is the Leading Source of Soil Microplastics

The UN Environment Programme reports that global agricultural soils now receive more microplastics than the ocean, with thin agricultural films being the primary driver — and one that is nearly impossible to remediate once in the ground.

Biodegradable Mulch Film is the Most Effective Substitute for Agricultural Plastic Pollution (Nature, 2023)

A study in Nature Communications Earth & Environment found that biodegradable agricultural mulch films fully decompose in soil and represent the best-evidenced substitute for agricultural plastics, while maintaining moisture retention and weed suppression benefits.

Ministry of Agriculture: Pesticide Hazards and Safe Use Guidelines

The Ministry of Agriculture officially outlines the health risks of pesticide residues to both consumers and farmers, publishes a list of 16 Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs), and recommends that farmers adopt low-toxicity or natural alternatives.

Acute Pesticide Poisoning Cases Among Taiwan Farmers

Reported cases of farmers experiencing breathing difficulties and cardiac abnormalities after pesticide application highlight the persistent pesticide exposure risk in Taiwan's agricultural communities, and the urgent need for safer alternatives.

WHO: ~385 Million Cases of Acute Pesticide Poisoning Annually Worldwide

The World Health Organization links chronic pesticide exposure to cancer, neurological disorders, and endocrine disruption, with agricultural workers at highest risk. WHO recommends prioritizing low-hazard bio-based crop protection products.

Pesticide Residue Inspection and Response Strategies

In-depth reporting on how pesticide residue issues impact farm production, with consumer safety concerns rising steadily. Market demand for natural crop protection and organic farming is accelerating.

PPWR 2025/40: Enforcement Begins 12 August 2026

All packaging entering the EU market (including plastic bags) must meet compliance requirements: heavy metals < 100 ppm, PFAS food-contact restrictions, and packaging must be either recyclable or certified compostable to EN 13432. Applies to all vendors selling into the EU, including Taiwanese exporters.

Taiwan's Bureau of Foreign Trade PPWR Advisory

Taiwan's International Trade Administration has issued an alert: Taiwanese exporters to the EU must comply with EU Regulation 2025/40 and are advised to assess packaging compliance and prepare supporting documentation as early as possible.

EN 13432 Compostability Certification: The Regulatory Threshold for EU Market Entry

Packaging products taking the "compostable route" must hold EN 13432 certification (issued by DIN CERTCO or TÜV SÜD) to legally claim compostability in the EU. Our raw material supplier holds DIN CERTCO industrial compostability certification, valid through 2031.

Intertek | PPWR Compliance Guide for Manufacturers

Practical guidance for non-EU manufacturers: a Declaration of Conformity (DoC), technical documentation, and material composition data are required, along with verified compliance with heavy metal and PFAS limits.