China will look to ban thin plastic bags, plastic film

China will look to ban ultra-thin plastic bags and agricultural-use plastic mulch, as well as other types of non-biodegradable plastic products, the country’s state planning authority said in draft proposals published on Friday.

The proposals cover shopping bags with a thickness of less than 0.025 millimetres and plastic mulch – used to retain moisture in soil – of less than 0.01 millimetres. Single-use plastic cutlery will also be banned.

The National Development and Reform Commission said the proposals will be open for public consultation until April 19.