Action Plan for Promoting Recycled Materials Released, Bringing New Green Opportunities for Plastic Packaging Industry

China’s National Development and Reform Commission has issued the *Action Plan for Promoting Recycled Materials*. Plastic packaging is listed as a key application sector for recycled materials. Medium‑ and long‑term industry targets are defined to boost large‑scale adoption of recycled plastics, which significantly impacts domestic flexible packaging manufacturers and foreign‑trade exports.

2026-08-28

UK Launches Consultation on Plastic Packaging Tax Reform – Mandatory Third-Party Recycled Plastic Certification to Take Effect in April 2027

In May 2026, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) launched a public consultation on reforms to the UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT). The proposed policy changes are scheduled to come into force in April 2027, bringing far-reaching compliance adjustments to manufacturers exporting plastic packaging bags and flexible plastic packaging to the United Kingdom.

2026-08-18

Effective Date: August 2026 fee collection launch

California SB54 Starts Collecting Packaging Environmental Fees in August, Cost Rises for Plastic Bag Exporters

2026-08-10

The Ecological and Environmental Code of the People’s Republic of China shall come into force officially on August 15.

The Ecological and Environmental Code of the People's Republic of China officially takes effect on August 15, ushering in a new stage of law-based governance for plastic packaging control.

2026-07-31