Analysis: Why Taiwan’s single-use plastic restrictions are falling short despite years of effort

The Ministry of Environment has set targets to reduce single-use fossil-based plastic products by 5% by 2030 and 10% by 2035. (Photo: Pixabay)

As Taiwan’s plastic reduction rules continue to expand, the Ministry of Environment recently announced new goals that extend restrictions to e-commerce and retail packaging, while introducing incentives tied to the circular economy. However, an earlier plan to completely phase out plastic by 2030 is no longer on the agenda.

With these updated policies now affecting both daily life and key industries, attention is shifting to how the government can strengthen implementation. RECCESSARY spoke with experts and reviewed strategies from Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian countries to examine the challenges Taiwan faces in cutting plastic use.