• Plastic items to be banned in 2025
    Plastic items to be banned in 2025
Close×

The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is introducing new restrictions on single-use plastics in food and beverage packaging, set to take effect from 1 January 2025. The upcoming ban will target "integrated packaging" items, which are machine-automated components of packaged products, such as sealed plastic utensils or straws.

Examples of items covered under the ban include:

Examples of integrated packaging that will be banned from 1 January 2025
Examples of integrated packaging that will be banned
  • Expanded polystyrene (EPS) cups containing dry noodles sealed with flavouring or soup powder;
  • plastic spoons sealed inside snack pack packaging; and
  • plastic straws attached to juice poppers.

The restrictions also extend to biodegradable, compostable, and bioplastic materials, reinforcing the EPA’s aim to reduce unnecessary plastic use and encourage sustainable alternatives.

Businesses involved in the manufacture, supply, or distribution of food and beverage packaging are urged to begin transitioning away from banned items. The EPA suggests assessing whether these integrated components are essential and exploring alternative packaging solutions.

The authority has outlined steps for affected stakeholders:

  • Brand owners and manufacturers should adjust production lines to exclude banned items and notify customers about the changes.
  • Distributors and retailers are advised to conduct stocktakes, deplete existing stocks, and inform customers about the restrictions.
  • Industry associations are encouraged to share the information with members through newsletters and meetings.

The bans are the result of public and stakeholder consultation and are intended to drive more sustainable choices among businesses and consumers.

For more details on the new regulations, visit the NSW EPA website here.

Food & Drink Business

Lion’s 2024 Sustainability Performance Update outlines progress and projects it has undertaken against evidence based goals with an evolving approach to increase collaboration with its supply chain.

Mountain Culture Beer Co has finalised its acquisition of Fox Friday Brewing and announced plans for its assets including rebranding some venues and on-selling Carwyn Cellars and the Perth brewpub.

In a landmark decision, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has given the green light to biotech company, Vow, for its cell-cultured quail to be sold in Australia and New Zealand. It makes ANZ the fourth country in the world to approve cell-cultured meat for human consumption.