Editorial
What is the impact of China’s import ban on waste plastic?
The Chinese government plans to ban waste imports — including plastics — by the end of this year. While this could have positive repercussions in the long term, like exporting countries being forced to re-evaluate their approach to waste and improve their systems, we could see negative impacts appear quickly. Without China and its fibre industry serving as an end market, some countries may forego plastics collection efforts, leaving plastics to be littered or disposed of in landfills, waterways or the ocean.