世界环境日 | A股可降解塑料行业ESG信披观察：产品可降解率等技术参数待完善

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the growing importance of biodegradable plastics in addressing plastic pollution, highlighting recent policies and the current state of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) disclosures among companies in this sector [1][2][3]. Policy and Regulatory Framework - The Chinese government has implemented several policies to combat plastic pollution, including the "14th Five-Year Plan for Plastic Pollution Control" and the modification of the "Interim Regulations on Express Delivery" to promote the use of biodegradable packaging materials starting June 1, 2025 [1][3]. - The national standard for biodegradable plastics was established in June 2022, setting requirements for degradation performance and labeling [2][3]. Industry Opportunities and ESG Disclosure - The biodegradable plastics industry is experiencing growth opportunities due to these policies, with 27 listed companies in the sector, of which 15 have released ESG reports for 2024, resulting in a disclosure rate of 56%, higher than the overall A-share market rate of 45.74% [2][3]. - Despite the positive trend, the ESG disclosure level in the industry is considered to be only at a mid-level, indicating room for improvement [2][3]. Company Performance and Initiatives - Notable companies in the biodegradable plastics sector include Wanhu Chemical, Hengli Petrochemical, and Tongcheng New Materials, which are actively developing biodegradable agricultural films and other products to address traditional plastic pollution [5][6]. - The top 10 companies by market capitalization have shown varying levels of ESG disclosures, with only one company disclosing Scope 3 emissions data, which includes emissions across the entire supply chain [4][5]. Environmental Impact and Challenges - While biodegradable plastics like PLA (Polylactic Acid) are seen as environmentally friendly, concerns have been raised about their potential to generate microplastics and impact human health [6][7]. - Experts suggest that companies should enhance their ESG reports by including technical details and degradation rates to better demonstrate their contributions to solving plastic pollution [6][7]. Conclusion - The biodegradable plastics industry is positioned for growth due to supportive policies, but companies must improve their ESG disclosures and address potential environmental risks associated with their products [2][6][7].