As of January 1, 2025, New South Wales has implemented a ban on single-use plastics in food and beverage packaging. This includes plastics like straws, spoons, and cups that are sealed or attached to packaging. The goal is to reduce plastic waste, with the ban even covering biodegradable and bioplastics.

What You Need to Know:

Review and Update Your Stock: Assess your current inventory to identify any products that contain banned plastics. Work with suppliers to clear existing stock or replace products that will no longer be compliant.

Source Sustainable Alternatives: Start sourcing alternative packaging materials that align with the new regulations. Look for eco-friendly options like paper, glass, or plant-based plastics that are not affected by the ban.

Communicate with Customers: Inform your customers about the changes, especially if they will see any product or packaging alterations. Transparency can help manage expectations and boost your sustainability credentials.

Plan for Transition: Make sure to transition quickly to avoid stock disruptions. Begin adjusting your product offerings now to stay ahead of the deadline and remain compliant.

The plastic packaging ban is now in effect, and independent retailers who haven’t started preparing are encouraged to act quickly to stay compliant and maintain smooth operations.

Examples of integrated packaging banned from 1 January 2025.

A sealed plastic straw attached to a juice box by a machine-automated process.	An expanded polystyrene (EPS) cup containing dry noodles with flavouring or soup powder sealed by a machine-automated process.	A plastic spoon sealed within the packaging of a snack pack by a machine-automated process.