Hanoi takes drastic action for a future without plastic waste

With the goal of "greening" the environment and protecting public health, on July 10th, the Hanoi City People's Council passed a Resolution stipulating measures to reduce plastic emissions in Hanoi (implementing point d, clause 2, Article 28 of the Law on the Capital City), setting out a roadmap for tightening plastic waste reduction on a yearly basis.

Haunting images of plastic waste. Photo: News

Changes in consumer behavior

The resolution, stipulating measures to reduce plastic emissions in the capital city, based on point d, clause 2, Article 28 of the 2024 Law on the Capital City, sets out specific goals and a roadmap to limit and eventually eliminate the use of single-use plastic products and non-biodegradable plastic packaging in production, business, and daily life activities.

Accordingly, from January 1, 2026, hotels, resorts, and tourist destinations will not be allowed to use single-use plastic products such as toothbrushes, razors, cotton swabs, shower caps, as well as single-use plastic packaging for toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, body lotion, and similar products.

In the daily operations of state administrative agencies, organizations, and units, the city absolutely prohibits the use of single-use plastic products and non-biodegradable plastic packaging, including plastic bags and styrofoam food containers, except for products that have been granted a Vietnamese eco-label.

Regarding commercial and distribution activities, the city requires that, starting January 1, 2027, markets and convenience stores are not allowed to provide free non-biodegradable plastic bags. From January 1, 2028, these businesses will also be prohibited from circulating and using single-use plastic products and non-biodegradable plastic packaging, including plastic bags and styrofoam containers used for packaging or storing food.

However, this regulation does not apply to products and goods already pre-packaged with the aforementioned type of packaging before its effective date. In addition, online retailers are required to implement measures to minimize the use of plastic packaging and plastic-based shock-absorbing materials. These businesses must proactively recover such packaging and materials to prevent environmental pollution.

In the manufacturing sector, starting January 1, 2028, businesses using PE and PP plastics in packaging production will be required to use a minimum of 20% recycled plastic. This rate will be further increased to a minimum of 30% from January 1, 2030. The city also requires manufacturing facilities to gradually reduce the production and import of single-use plastic products, non-biodegradable plastic packaging, and items containing microplastics.

Specifically, from January 1, 2031, Hanoi will completely stop the production and import of single-use plastic products, except for those products that have been granted the Vietnam Eco-label certification.

Legal basis for promoting plastic emission reduction

Upon receiving this information, Mr. Duong Ngoc Luu from Cau Giay ward assessed that this is a clear step forward, demonstrating the city's strategic vision, and at the same time highlighting the urgent need for environmental responsibility among all sectors of society.

Many small business owners also expressed support for this regulation. Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhung, who runs a grocery store in Ha Dong ward, shared that replacing plastic bags with environmentally friendly alternatives like paper bags might initially increase product prices by a few hundred dong, but the long-term benefits for public health are dozens or even hundreds of times greater. This is because most plastic bags on the market are recycled from dirty plastic, potentially containing lead, cadmium, and heavy metals that can damage the liver and kidneys, cause infertility, or lead to premature puberty. Especially when used to hold hot food, additives in the plastic can easily leach into the food, creating long-term effects on the endocrine system and overall health. Therefore, she didn't wait for the ban but proactively made changes from within, starting with the smallest actions in her daily life.

Regarding this issue, Associate Professor Dr. Luu Duc Hai - Chairman of the Vietnam Environmental Economics Association - believes that, in addition to the policy of tightening plastic waste reduction measures year by year, there is an immediate need for a policy of applying high taxes on the production and consumption of non-biodegradable plastic bags, thereby increasing usage costs and reducing consumption incentives. Furthermore, the city needs to issue clear regulations on technical standards, quality, and safety for alternative products such as biodegradable bags, paper boxes, and cloth bags.

From another perspective, lawyer Le Quang Vinh assessed that, to control plastic pollution, Hanoi needs to utilize the regulations in the 2024 Capital City Law, which emphasizes the government's responsibility in developing waste sorting programs at source and applying advanced technologies in waste treatment.

Reducing plastic waste also requires sustainable solutions from businesses and communities. Vietnam should recognize reputable international certifications for biodegradable products, such as compostable certifications from Europe or the US, to support domestic businesses in production, market access, and product marketing. This would be a clear step, demonstrating a strategic vision and a balance between development and plastic pollution control.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/ha-noi-hanh-dong-quyet-liet-vi-mot-tuong-lai-khong-rac-thai-nhua-710106.html