New 2026 Regulations in China, South Korea & Japan in Plastic Recycling
The global push for sustainable plastic recycling is driving significant regulatory updates worldwide. Recently, China, South Korea, and Japan have each announced important new rules for recycled plastics, set to take effect in early 2026. These changes will reshape the industry, requiring businesses to adapt their supply chains and upgrade technologies.
I. China: A Comprehensive National Standard System
On August 1, 2025, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation approved nine new national standards for plastics and recycled plastics. These standards will officially be implemented on February 1, 2026, covering areas such as product evaluation, recyclable design, and traceability.
Together with two standards released in 2024—*GB/T 45090-2024* (marking and labeling of recycled plastics) and *GB/T 45091-2024* (limit requirements for restricted substances)—they form a full-chain regulatory system spanning “production–collection–recycling–reuse.”
Key highlights of China’s new standards include
01.Guidelines for Recyclable Design – Providing a grading framework to improve the recyclability of products like PET bottles and HDPE containers from the design stage.
02.Evaluation and Identification of Recycled Plastics – Introducing advanced testing methods to accurately identify and assess the quality and environmental impact of materials like recycled plastic PET and PP.
03.Standards for Specific Materials – Filling gaps for mixed plastics and high-performance recycled materials.
04.Traceability and Safety – Establishing a system to track the lifecycle of recycled plastics and ensure safe use.
This unified standard system is expected to boost green product design, improve recycling efficiency, and increase consumer trust in recycled products.
II. South Korea: Mandatory Use of Recycled Content in PET Bottles
South Korea’s Ministry of Environment passed an amendment to the Act on the Promotion of Resource Saving and Recycling on September 16, 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, the use of recycled PET (rPET) in clear PET bottles will become mandatory.
The regulation will be implemented in two phases:
Phase 1 (2026): Producers with annual output or filling volume exceeding 5,000 tons must use at least 10% rPET in clear water and non-alcoholic beverage bottles.
Phase 2 (2030): The threshold drops to 1,000 tons, and the required rPET content rises to 30%.
Companies must obtain dual certification: one for the recycling process (collection, sorting, and recycling) and another for food-contact safety. Only certified rPET can be used in beverage packaging. This “process + safety” approach ensures both the recycled content percentage and the material’s purity and safety.
South Korea also plans to expand the use of recycled plastics in other products, such as home appliances and cosmetic containers, further promoting a circular economy.
III. Japan: Incentive-Based Certification for Easy-to-Recycle Design
Unlike South Korea’s mandatory rules, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has introduced a voluntary certification system under the Plastic Resource Recycling Promotion Law, effective January 24, 2026.
To be certified, clear PET bottles must meet two key criteria:
Contain at least 15% rPET.
Be designed for easy recycling—made entirely of PET, with no PVC in caps or labels, and labels that are easy to remove during plastic recycling.
Certified products will be included in Japan’s Green Procurement list, giving them an advantage in government purchasing. This approach highlights Japan’s focus on “Design for Recycling,” aiming to increase both recycling rates and the quality of recycled output.
IV. Conclusion: Preparing for a Sustainable Future
With plastic pollution becoming a pressing global issue, regulations in Asia are rapidly evolving to promote recycling and reduce dependency on virgin plastics. Companies involved in manufacturing, recycling, or using plastic packaging—especially PET bottles—must stay informed and prepare for these changes.
For businesses, this means:
Reviewing supply chains to ensure access to certified recycled plastic.
Investing in technology to improve recycling efficiency and material quality.
Considering equipment upgrades to meet new design and traceability requirements. Companies like Kitech Machinery can support this transition by providing advanced solutions for plastic recycling and production.
By adapting early, businesses can not only ensure compliance but also contribute to a more sustainable plastic economy. The shift toward circularity is no longer optional—it’s the future of the industry.