The NSW Government has announced the next phase of its Plastics Plan, setting out a roadmap to phase out single-use and problematic plastics as part of its broader strategy to tackle the state’s waste crisis.
The release, timed ahead National Recycling Week* (10-16 November), underscores the government’s intent to accelerate the shift towards a circular economy, and has been positively received by industry and environmental lobby groups alike.
NSW Government says plastic remains one of the state's biggest environmental challenges, accounting for around 74 per cent of litter in waterways, while less than 16 per cent of plastic waste is currently recycled. Without action, it says, Greater Sydney could run out of landfill space by 2030. And it cites the familiar statement, now well-worn in environmental circles, that "by 2050 it is predicted there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish" if action isn't taken.
The NSW Plastics Plan 2.0 targets unnecessary and hard-to-recycle plastic products, with a phased implementation designed to give businesses time to transition and find practical alternatives. The government says the staged approach will also encourage investment in recycling infrastructure and reusable products, with ongoing consultation to support a smooth and equitable transition.
In an Australian first, the plan will establish a ‘green’ and ‘red’ list of chemicals used in plastics, identifying substances to be phased out due to their risks to human health and the environment, and for which safer alternatives already exist.
Key actions under Plastics Plan 2.0
The plan’s measures include:
• phasing out plastic bread tags and pizza savers from late 2027
• phasing out non-compostable plastic fruit and vegetable stickers by 2030
• introducing tethered lids for plastic bottles by 2030
• requiring takeaway food service businesses to accept reusable cups by 2028, and large food service businesses to provide reusable cup options by 2030
• phasing out small condiment containers such as soy sauce fish bottles by 2030, in favour of recyclable options
• redesigning takeaway food containers, such as plastic bowls with lids, bento boxes and sushi trays, to ensure they can be safely recycled
• regulating harmful chemical additives in plastic food and beverage packaging to prevent toxins entering soil, water and the food chain
• banning lighter-than-air (helium) balloon releases, bringing NSW in line with other states.
The measures build on earlier bans of lightweight plastic bags, straws, stirrers and single-use cutlery, and have been shaped through consultation with industry, environment groups and the community.
Government leadership
NSW Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said the plan has considered actions needed to protect the environment and human health, while also considering how government can support industry to transition to recyclable or reusable alternatives.
“The great news is that industry is already moving this way – many businesses are leading the way in developing alternatives to single-use plastics,” Minister Sharpe said.
“We will continue to work with industry, small businesses, manufacturers, retailers and councils to support a smooth transition to safer, recyclable alternatives.”
Industry welcomes transition framework
General manager of Mars Food & Nutrition Australia, Bill Heague, said the company welcomed the government’s recognition of the need for an adjustment period.
“In order to adopt more sustainable packaging without impacting negatively on the consumer’s experience, businesses like ours need time to research, develop, test and scale up new packaging solutions.” Heague said. “We welcome the NSW Government’s recognition that an adjustment period for businesses will support a smooth transition, and we’re excited by the possibilities further innovations in this space may present.”
Environmental advocates hail ambition
The Boomerang Alliance, representing 56 NGOs, said the new plan placed NSW ahead of other states in its goal of reducing plastic pollution.
“It’s broad in its ambit and contains several key actions which are critical and will also push national action along, said Boomerang Alliance director Jeff Angel.
“It’s a big list that requires a lot of implementation work but despite that, we’ll be seeking a quicker timetable on some items.”
Angel says Boomerang Alliance is of the view that microplastic reduction requires a concentrated effort and a comprehensive strategy. He notes that while the Plastic Plan 2.0 specifically addresses this pollution, the problem is so dangerous to the environment and humans, Boomerang Alliance believes it needs a special taskforce and mandatory strategy to combat it.
* National Recycling Week is a campaign run by environmental group Planet Ark, started in 1996. It aims to help and encourage Australians to recycle by sharing knowledge, education, events and inspiring stories. According to Planet Ark figures, since the campaign's inception, the recycling rate in Australia has gone from 7% and just 1.5 million total tonnes recycled to over 60% and 43 million tonnes of materials recycled. Per capita: that's 80kg of material annually in 1996, to now about 1700kg.
