Remediation over packaging also need to find out where "degree" is

[China Packaging Network News] Oversized and extravagant gift boxes, matching gold with jade—over-packaging represents a serious waste of resources. It is high time to address this issue through legal reforms that tighten regulations on product packaging, reduce the amount of packaging used, and impose stricter penalties on violators. However, the real challenge lies in ensuring that these laws are not just written on paper but actually enforced by authorities. The effectiveness of any regulation depends largely on how well it is implemented in practice.

The root cause of over-packaging lies in the production process. However, many products on the market today are imported from abroad, which means local regulations may not fully address the problem at its source. To tackle this, the "Provisions (Draft)" focuses on the sales stage, requiring sellers to clearly agree with suppliers that product packaging must comply with mandatory standards and to inspect the packaging upon receipt. By holding sellers accountable for checking packaging, they are more likely to follow the law, as failure to do so could result in direct penalties. This creates stronger incentives for compliance.

In addition, the draft provisions also introduce channels for public supervision. It states that the municipal quality and technical supervision department will publish online the national and local standards for limiting over-packaging, making it easier for the public to access and check. If consumers find that a product’s packaging violates the rules, they can report it directly to the relevant department. With the rise of social media and platforms like Weibo, it's easy to imagine people sharing images of over-packaged items online, creating a powerful form of mass oversight. This approach not only empowers the public but also makes enforcement more efficient and transparent.

Despite these positive steps, there are still concerns about the clarity and strictness of the standards. The draft provisions mention that the city will focus on key commodities and collaborate with departments and industry associations to develop packaging guidelines. However, current national standards only cover food and cosmetics, which were introduced in 2010. These standards limit the number of packaging layers to three, allow no more than 60% void space, and cap external packaging costs at 20% of the product’s selling price. While these are a start, they remain relatively lenient compared to international practices.

In countries like Japan, where packaging is highly regulated, laws state that the empty space in a container should not exceed 20% of its volume, and the cost of packaging should not be more than 15% of the product’s price. Additionally, the product value must be clearly marked on the package. In the U.S., the rules are even stricter: if the packaging volume exceeds 10% of the product or the packaging cost is more than 30% of the selling price, it can be classified as commercial fraud, violating consumer rights.

Given this global context, it is essential for Shanghai to refine its current over-packaging standards. Beyond food and cosmetics, other product categories should also be included. The allowable void space should be reduced, and the 60% limit should be lowered to a more reasonable level. This would not only reflect a commitment to sustainability but also help build a more resource-conscious society. With clear, enforceable rules and active public participation, China can lead the way in reducing unnecessary packaging and promoting responsible consumption.