(1) Reasons for Proposal

This Partial Amendment aims to newly create packaging method standards for transport packages including courier, ban bonding, applying, and attaching unnecessary miscellaneous materials to packaging materials to improve issues such as packaging material recycling difficulties and wasted resources, and thereby reduce the production of unnecessary packaging materials.

(2) Major Provisions

A. Apply packaging method standards to product packaging for transport purposes (Article 2 deleted)

Delete this provision to allow packaging method standards to be applied to product packaging for transport purposes, since it states that such standards do not apply to product packaging for transport purposes even though the number of transport packaging materials continues to rise, especially recently, due to courier services. 

B. Recommend using easily recyclable materials for packaging materials for transport purposes (Article 3 paragraph 1 amended)

Recommend using non-synthetic-resin tape and cushioning materials and ice packs, which include refrigerants other than superabsorbent polymer, so that they can be recycled easily to prevent products from being packaged excessively if packaged for transport purposes.

C. Revised product packaging material property standards (Article 3 paragraphs 3 and 4 amended)

Clarify the scope of this provision to manufacturers who do not perform recycling obligations, since manufacturers who perform recycling obligations are subject to packaging material property standards based on the packaging material properties and structure although this provision bans product manufacturers from using polyvinyl chloride.

D. Ban attaching miscellaneous materials to packaging materials (Article 3 paragraph 5 newly inserted)

Ban bonding, applying, or attaching metal film or vinyl to paper packaging materials for transport purposes, and attaching straws to beverage products to make packaging material recycling easier and reduce the production of unnecessary packaging materials.

E. Prepare standards on the packaging space ratio and the amount of packaging for courier packaging products (attached Table 1 amended)

Prepare standards on packaging methods including the packaging space ratio and the amount of packaging for courier packaging products to prevent excessive packaging for courier services and reduce the production of packaging waste.