South Australia has become the first state to officially ban the small plastic soy-sauce containers shaped like fish, a familiar sight accompanying takeaway sushi. The move is part of the state’s ongoing effort to reduce single-use plastics, with businesses now looking to alternatives like refillable dispensers, squeezable packs, sachets, and compostable containers.
The government described the plastic soy sauce fish as “convenience packaging” items, adding that they “can be replaced with bulk or refillable condiment solutions, or more manageable alternatives such as sachets, squeezable packs, or certified compostable containers”.
Each plastic soy-sauce fish is typically used for just a few seconds, but the little containers are known to linger in the environment for years, contributing to microplastic pollution. Their small size means they’re easily dropped or blown into waterways, and they’re too small to be picked up by standard kerbside recycling systems.
Deputy premier and environment minister Susan Close explained, “Single-use plastics are often used for seconds but they last a lifetime in our natural environment. The small size of the fish-shaped soy sauce containers means they’re easily dropped, blown away, or washed into drains, making them a frequent component of beach and street litter.”
Plastic Free SA, a programme backed by Green Industries SA, is working with businesses to help them make the switch. Melissa Rayner, project coordinator at Plastic Free SA, said, “The ban on plastic soy sauce fish containers, which are used by millions annually and frequently found in litter and marine environments, is a vital next step in reducing the environmental burden of unnecessary single-use plastics.”
Some venues had already made changes ahead of the ban. Abby Zhang, owner of Hanamura Norwood, said, “We made a significant change a while back by switching from soy sauce fish containers to more sustainable alternatives, such as compostable sauce containers. Our customers have been incredibly supportive of this transition.”
The ban also includes single-use plastic cutlery and straws that come attached to food and drink packaging. Since 2021, South Australia has rolled out new bans each September, starting with takeaway cutlery, coffee cups and containers.
Public feedback has been strongly in favour of further action. In a recent consultation, 97 per cent of more than 3000 respondents supported expanding the bans.
