Japan Eases Garbage Bag Rules as Polyethylene Prices Jump to 2.3 Million Won a Ton
Updated
Updated · 매일경제 · May 22
Japan Eases Garbage Bag Rules as Polyethylene Prices Jump to 2.3 Million Won a Ton
1 articles · Updated · 매일경제 · May 22
Japanese local governments have temporarily allowed clear or translucent plastic bags in place of designated trash bags as shortages spread and retailers cap purchases at two packs per customer.
polyethylene prices have surged to about 2.3 million won per ton from roughly 1.35 million won after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran rattled naphtha supply, prompting some manufacturers to halt production.
Officials and analysts say panic buying, rather than an actual nationwide shortage, is driving much of the disruption, with online resale of garbage bags already causing alarm last month.
The scare has also appeared in South Korea, where stores limited sales, though the environment minister said more than half of local governments hold over six months of stock and supplies can last more than a year.
If raw material supplies are secure for a year, why have garbage bag production lines ground to a halt across Japan and South Korea?
Could this plastic bag crisis be the catalyst that finally forces Asia to break its dependency on Middle Eastern oil?