Mar 10 2003
Following on from the ban on plastic tableware imposed on Taiwan’s government canteens and similar units last year, which continued on to the private sector last month, a new raft of problems has been identified.
The bans were implemented as the plastic items were deemed environmentally unsound, posing a potential hazard for the island of Taiwan.
The changes affect approximately 70,000 restaurants and thousands more food stalls. NT$300,000 fines provide incentives for restaurateurs to comply with the bans.
Prior to the ban, Taiwan used to consume 150 million units of plastic tableware per month, worth an estimated NT$1 billion. Then bans have had a drastic effect on Taiwan’s 3000 plastic tableware manufacturers, with sales having dropped of by an estimated 60%.
Paper tableware has emerged as the most popular alternative, with most being sourced from China, despite the availability of locally produced materials. The Chinese materials are being purchased in preference to locally manufactured materials due to their cheaper prices.
However, questions exist relating to the quality of the Chinese manufactured materials. Paper tableware should be coated with polyethylene to minimise food/tableware interactions, including rice sticking.
Other issues with the paper alternatives are the increased cost compared to the plastic equivalents and the environmental impact. While the paper materials maybe biodegradable, they require the culling of trees to satisfy demands.
For more information on plastic cutlery, click here.