Global Policies Banning Non-biodegradable Plastic Disposable Food Containers in 2025-2026
author: Iris
2026-01-12
I. Analysis of Policy Effectiveness in 2025-2026
1.1 Summary of Policies Effective in 2025
2025 is a critical year for global plastic ban policies, with several important policies coming into effect. Several US states are advancing new plastic ban regulations; Delaware implemented a ban on July 1st: prohibiting restaurants and commercial establishments from using polystyrene foam containers for ready-to-eat food/drinks, completely banning disposable plastic coffee stirrers, cocktail picks, and sandwich picks, and providing plastic straws only upon customer request.
In Asia, Hainan Province in China requires a complete ban on the use of non-biodegradable plastic disposable food containers in the catering and takeaway sector by the end of 2025; Shanghai implemented the "strictest plastic ban in history" on September 1st, completely banning "pseudo-environmentally friendly" tableware such as plastic PE-coated products based on relevant decisions.
Dubai in the Middle East adopted a phased strategy, prohibiting the import and trade of plastic stirrers, tablecloths, cups, straws, and cotton swabs from January 1st. Some restaurants and canteens responded proactively, switching to paper cups, wooden tableware, and reusable tableware for dine-in customers. On January 22, the European Union released new packaging and packaging waste regulations (PPWR), which officially came into effect on February 11. This regulation is considered one of the strictest packaging regulations globally and will fundamentally reshape product packaging.
1.2 Latest Policy Developments in 2026
In 2026, global plastic ban policies are accelerating and becoming widespread. The UAE implemented the second phase of its disposable plastic ban on January 1st, completely prohibiting the import, production, and trade of beverage cups and lids, cutlery (spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks), plates, straws, stirrers, and polystyrene foam food containers.
Australia has developed a plastic ban plan, gradually phasing out 24 types of plastic products starting in 2026, including disposable plastic cutlery (forks, spoons, knives), plastic plates, and plastic coffee/beverage stirrers. The pace of implementation varies across states, but plastic reduction is a national trend.
In Illinois, USA, starting January 1st, hotels with 50 or more rooms are required to prohibit the provision of disposable plastic miniature bottles of personal care products (such as shampoo and shower gel). This regulation was signed by the governor in 2024 and is another similar legislation following California, Washington, and New York.
In Guangzhou, China, policies will be upgraded in 2026, prohibiting the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags in all city markets and prohibiting the use of non-biodegradable plastic disposable food containers in dine-in services, with the scope of implementation extended to all hotels, guesthouses, and homestays.
II. Global Geographic Distribution and Key National Policies
2.1 European Union and its Member States
The EU maintains a leading position in plastic governance, with policies characterized by a "unified framework + detailed implementation by member states." According to the EU Disposable Plastics Directive (EU 2019/904), since July 2021, the use of disposable plastic items that can be replaced by non-plastic alternatives has been prohibited, including disposable plates, cutlery, and straws. The most important policy update in the EU in 2025 is the PPWR regulation, which sets a strict timetable for banning disposable plastic packaging: a complete ban will be implemented from January 1, 2030, covering packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables, food and beverage packaging in restaurants, single-serving condiment packaging, miniature packaging for toiletries, and plastic carrier bags with a wall thickness of less than 15 micrometers.
Regarding recycled content requirements, PPWR sets phased targets: 30% for disposable plastic beverage bottles by 2030 and 65% by 2040; 35% for other plastic packaging by 2030 and 65% by 2040; 30% for sensitive-contact PET packaging (excluding disposable beverage bottles) by 2030 and 50% by 2040; and 10% for sensitive-contact non-PET packaging (excluding disposable beverage bottles) by 2030 and 25% by 2040.
Among member states, German municipalities are showing innovation: the city of Tübingen in Baden-Württemberg has been implementing differentiated taxation on disposable packaging since 2022, with a tax of 50 euro cents on coffee cups and french fry containers, and 20 euro cents on knives, forks, and spoons; from January 1, 2026, the city of Freiburg will implement a disposable packaging tax applicable to disposable cups, plates, containers, and cutlery used for takeaway and portable food, with an expected annual revenue of approximately 2 million euros.
In England, the UK implemented a ban on disposable plastics in October 2023, including disposable plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks, and some polystyrene cups and food containers. It also introduced a Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT), requiring manufacturers and importers to use at least 30% recycled plastic, otherwise paying a tax of £210.82 per ton.
2.2 North America
North American policies exhibit interstate differences under a federal system, with varying levels of enthusiasm for plastic bans among US states. Specific policies are as follows:
| State | Effective Date | Main Measures | Scope |
| Delaware | July 1, 2025 | Ban on EPS containers, plastic stirrers, and cocktail picks; straws only provided upon customer request | Restaurants, commercial establishments |
| Illinois | January 1, 2026 | Ban on disposable plastic personal care products in hotels with more than 50 rooms | Hotel industry |
| Virginia | July 1, 2025 (large businesses), July 1, 2026 (all businesses) | Phased ban on EPS foam tableware | Food suppliers |
| California | April 2025 | Ban on EPS food service ware | Statewide |
| New York | Effective January 1, 2022 | Ban on polystyrene foam disposable food service containers | Statewide |
Delaware's policy is representative, with new regulations effective July 1, 2025, including several provisions and exemptions: for refrigerators/coolers used for transporting seafood, primary packaging for raw meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, fruits or vegetables, and specific uses for patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
California announced in April 2025 a ban on the sale, distribution, or import of expanded polystyrene (EPS) food service ware (such as disposable takeout containers and cups), and set recycling rate targets: no less than 25% from January 1, 2025, no less than 30% from January 1, 2028, no less than 50% from January 1, 2030, and no less than 65% from January 1, 2032.
New York's foam ban took effect on January 1, 2022, prohibiting the sale or distribution of polystyrene foam disposable food service containers (including cups, bowls, plates, and trays) and polystyrene foam packaging peanuts.
2.3 Asia-Pacific Region
Plastic ban policies in the Asia-Pacific region are developing rapidly and being implemented in a differentiated manner, with each country formulating policy paths based on its own development level and industrial structure.
China has formulated a systematic policy for plastic pollution control at the national level. According to the "Opinions on Further Strengthening the Governance of Plastic Pollution," by the end of 2025, the consumption intensity of non-degradable take-out food containers in the catering and takeaway sector in cities at or above the prefecture level will decrease by 30%, and the use of such tableware will be prohibited in dine-in services in built-up areas of counties. Policy progress in key regions is as follows:
| Region | Policy Objective | Implementation Time | Specific Measures |
| Hainan Province | Complete ban on non-degradable tableware in catering and takeaway services | End of 2025 | Province-wide |
| Shanghai | Ban on "pseudo-environmentally friendly" tableware | September 1, 2025 | Complete ban on plastic PE coated tableware |
| Guangdong Province | Ban on non-degradable tableware in dine-in services | From 2026 | Ban on non-degradable plastic bags in all city markets |
| Ningxia | Ban on non-degradable straws in the catering industry | End of 2025 | Ban on non-degradable tableware in dine-in services in counties and above |
Shanghai's "strictest plastic ban in history" was jointly issued by multiple departments, with the core aim of eliminating "pseudo-environmentally friendly" disposable tableware that is difficult to recycle and pollutes the environment.
Japan will implement new guidelines for food contact materials from June 1, 2025, requiring that synthetic resin materials (such as plastics and coatings) only use substances on the approved list. After the transition period ends on May 31, 2025, non-compliant products will be prohibited from sale. The new regulations list plastic disposable food containers, beverage bottles, and packaging films as highly sensitive items; it also plans to revise the "Law on Promoting the Effective Utilization of Resources" in 2025, requiring manufacturers to use recycled plastics and set targets, with penalties for those with poor performance. South Korea has enacted a new plastic ban for 2027, expanding its scope to include takeout and packaging containers, milk tea straws, express delivery packaging, and even some disposable plastic toys and decorations. The new regulations are mandatory, increasing environmental taxes on plastic products and prohibiting the production and sale of certain non-essential plastic items. It also introduces a deposit return system (DRS) for disposable cups, piloted in Sejong City and Jeju Island, with a deposit return system for fishing gear to be implemented from 2025.
Singapore has implemented a nationwide EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) and plastic ban, requiring compostable containers to be certified under EN 13432 or ISO 17088 standards.
2.4 Other Important Countries and Regions
The Latin American region, represented by Brazil, demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental protection. Brazil's Federal Law No. 12,688/2025 introduces stricter rules for plastics and packaging, emphasizing shared responsibility across the supply chain and setting phased recycling and recovery targets. This applies to plastic packaging (such as packaging for hygiene and cleaning products) and disposable plastic products (such as cups, cutlery, plates, and bags), excluding items already covered by specific programs or subject to specific industry regulations.
The African region is leading in plastic bag bans, with countries such as Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Kenya, and Malawi completely prohibiting the use of disposable plastic bags. Kenya's ban is the strictest, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and use of plastic bags since August 2017. Violators face a maximum fine of 2 million shillings or imprisonment for at least one year, or both. On January 7, 2026, Kenyan authorities conducted a joint enforcement operation, uncovering illegal manufacturing sites for banned disposable plastic bags. This action was part of the nationwide "Say No to Plastic" campaign. New Zealand in Oceania has made significant progress on banning disposable plastic products, becoming the first country in the world to ban disposable produce bags in supermarkets from July 1, 2023. It also banned the manufacture, sale, and distribution of disposable plates, bowls, and cutlery, with stores only providing disposable plastic straws to people with disabilities or those with health needs. However, the New Zealand government removed the 2025 deadline for the third phase of the plastic phase-out (including all PVC and polystyrene food and beverage packaging), and the Ministry for the Environment will undertake additional policy work to determine the next steps.
III. Analysis of Control Measure Types
3.1 Complete Bans
Complete bans are the strictest control measures, directly prohibiting the production, sale, or use of specific non-biodegradable plastic disposable food containers. They are highly mandatory and effective, significantly reducing usage in the short term.
The second phase of the ban implemented by the UAE from January 1, 2026, is the broadest in scope, comprehensively prohibiting the import, production, and trade of beverage cups and lids, tableware (spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks), plates, straws, stirrers, and polystyrene foam food containers. The Dubai government stated that this is the final phase of the ban on disposable plastic products, covering products already banned in 2025 and newly added categories.
The EU Disposable Plastics Directive is a model of regional bans. Since July 2021, it has prohibited the placing of disposable plastic products on the market in EU member states when sustainable and reasonably priced alternatives are available, including cotton swab sticks, cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, and balloon sticks.
China has a phased ban timetable at the national level: by the end of 2020, the national catering industry was prohibited from using non-biodegradable disposable plastic straws, and such tableware was prohibited in catering services in urban areas of cities above the prefecture level and in scenic spots; by the end of 2022, such tableware was prohibited in catering services in urban areas of counties and in scenic spots.
3.2 Restricted Use Measures
Restricted use measures reduce the use of non-biodegradable plastic disposable food containers by setting conditions, scenarios, or quantity limits. They are highly flexible and practical.
Delaware, USA, stipulates that plastic straws should only be provided upon customer request, eliminating the default provision. It also includes detailed exemption clauses covering specific packaging uses and institutions such as hospitals, fire departments, and non-profit organizations.
Guangzhou, China, will implement scenario-differentiated restrictions starting in 2026, prohibiting the use of non-biodegradable recyclable take-out containers in dine-in catering services throughout the city, but not yet completely prohibiting it in scenarios such as takeout.
Several US states have implemented "on-demand" policies, where tableware, straws, condiment packets, and other accessories are only provided upon customer request and are not available for self-service (unless using a dispenser that dispenses one item at a time); for takeout, only sauces and utensils specifically requested by the customer are provided.
3.3 Economic Incentive Measures
Economic incentive measures guide market behavior through taxes, fees, and deposits, characterized by their market-oriented and cost-effective nature.
Taxation policies are relatively common in Europe. The UK's Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) requires manufacturers and importers to use at least 30% recycled plastic, otherwise they pay a tax of £210.82 per ton; the German city of Tübingen implemented differentiated taxation on disposable packaging starting in 2022; the Philippines is advancing the "Plastax Bill," which proposes a tax of 150 pesos per kilogram on certain disposable plastic packaging materials; the Dutch parliament passed a motion to abolish the plastic tax and remove extra fees from January 1, 2026, allowing the use of paper cups with plastic coatings (provided a collection and recycling system is in place).
Deposit return schemes (DRS) are being promoted in many countries. Poland will implement a new deposit system from January 1, 2025, requiring an additional 0.5 zlotys deposit for beverages in glass bottles under 1.5 liters, plastic bottles under 3 liters, or metal cans under 1 liter; the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi in the UAE has launched a new disposable plastic policy covering plastic cups, lids, and cutlery, and will also introduce a deposit return system for plastic bottles.
3.4 Alternative Requirements
Alternative requirements achieve plastic reduction goals through the mandatory use of biodegradable or reusable alternatives, characterized by their technology-oriented and long-term effectiveness.
The EU's PPWR regulation sets clear reuse targets: at least 40% of transport packaging must be reusable, at least 10% of composite packaging must be reusable, and at least 10% of beverages must use reusable packaging; the targets are raised to 70% (transport), 25% (composite), and 40% (beverages) by 2040.
Local policies in the United States set strict standards for alternatives. Tableware must be certified by a third party (such as BPI, CMA) and certified as compostable (and PFAS-free); reusable or durable tableware (metal, glass, ceramic) is recommended for dine-in, with mandatory requirements in some cities; San Mateo County, California, prohibits the use of traditional, compostable, or recyclable plastics (including bowls, plates, cups, etc.), and does not allow the use of compostable plastics and polystyrene foam. China encourages the use of biodegradable and bamboo-based alternative products, and the Ministry of Commerce has explicitly stated that it will increase efforts to promote such products.
3.5 Comprehensive Control System
More and more countries and regions are adopting comprehensive control systems that combine various regulatory measures to improve the effectiveness of plastic reduction.
New regulations implemented simultaneously in multiple US states from July 1, 2025, are comprehensive, not only restricting the use of specific plastic products but also introducing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), shifting the environmental responsibility at the end of a product's life cycle from consumers and the government to manufacturers; Oregon's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act requires all manufacturers of packaging materials, paper products, and food service supplies to join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) and be responsible for the final disposal of their products (including financial investment).
The EU PPWR regulation establishes the most comprehensive plastic governance system to date, covering bans, recycled content requirements, reuse targets, taxation mechanisms, and extended producer responsibility. It also sets strict timelines and phased targets to ensure policy implementation.
IV. Policy Impact and Future Outlook
4.1 Industry Transformation Pressure and Opportunities
The intensive introduction of global plastic ban policies in 2025-2026 will have a profound impact on the plastic disposable food containers industry, bringing both transformation pressure and market opportunities.
In terms of cost pressure, companies face multiple challenges: firstly, direct compliance costs, including production line transformation, alternative product procurement, and certification fees; secondly, rising raw material costs, as biodegradable alternatives are generally more expensive than traditional plastics, such as paper straws, which are 2-3 times the price of plastic straws, and PLA biodegradable straws, which are 4-5 times the price of plastic straws.
In terms of market opportunities, plastic ban policies are driving the rapid development of the environmental protection industry, leading to a surge in demand for biodegradable tableware, paper tableware, and bamboo tableware. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has explicitly stated that it will increase efforts to promote biodegradable and bamboo-based alternative products; EU policies encourage the use of bio-based and compostable alternatives, providing policy support for corn starch tableware and other products.
The restructuring of the industrial chain is accelerating. Traditional plastic disposable food containers manufacturers need to transform, adjust their product structure, and increase R&D investment to develop biodegradable alternatives; the packaging design industry is paying more attention to reusability and biodegradability, and the construction of recycling systems and producer cooperation mechanisms is becoming ithe ndustry focuses.
4.2 Future Policy Trends Prediction
Based on current trends, future global plastic ban policies will develop in the following directions:
Catering To-Go Box Expanded Policy Scope: catering to-go box. From currently focused products (straws, cutlery, food containers) to all disposable plastic products; from urban areas to rural areas; from developed regions to developing countries.
Catering To-Go Box Comprehensive Policy Measures: catering to-go box. Single-use bans will be replaced by a comprehensive system of "bans + taxation + recycling + alternatives," promoting plastic reduction through economic incentives, technological support, and public awareness campaigns.
Catering To-Go Box Strict Standard System: catering to-go box Stricter certification requirements for biodegradable products will be implemented, excluding "false environmentally friendly" products; quality requirements for recycled products will be raised.
Catering To-Go Box Improved Enforcement Mechanisms: Catering to-go box. A sound supervision and inspection mechanism will be established, and penalties for violations will be strengthened to ensure effective policy implementation.
Catering To-Go Box Comprehensive Policy Measures: catering to-go box. Single-use bans will be replaced by a comprehensive system of "bans + taxation + recycling + alternatives," promoting plastic reduction through economic incentives, technological support, and public awareness campaigns.
Catering To-Go Box Strict Standard System: catering to-go box Stricter certification requirements for biodegradable products will be implemented, excluding "false environmentally friendly" products; quality requirements for recycled products will be raised.
Catering To-Go Box Improved Enforcement Mechanisms: Catering to-go box. A sound supervision and inspection mechanism will be established, and penalties for violations will be strengthened to ensure effective policy implementation.
V. Summary
In 2025-2026, global policies banning non-biodegradable plastic disposable food containers will be comprehensively upgraded, accelerated, and governed through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Geographically, it will expand from developed regions to the entire globe; in terms of intensity, it will shift from voluntary to mandatory; and in terms of approach, it will move from single measures to comprehensive ones, reflecting the international community's emphasis on plastic pollution and its pursuit of sustainable development.
For relevant businesses, this presents both challenges and opportunities. They need to actively transform and accelerate their transition, steadily moving forward in green development. Looking ahead, with technological advancements, improved standards, and strengthened international cooperation, global plastic pollution control will be more effective, and a beautiful, plastic-pollution-free Earth is within reach.
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