Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia have implemented the latest round of single-use plastic bans from 1 September. PKN takes a look at what the bans cover in each state.
The National Retail Association’s (NRA) director of policy, David Stout, said retailers are highly supportive of implementing more sustainable practices, but often need support to understand and implement the changes.
The Australia Institute of Packaging (AIP) hosted a webinar in collaboration with the NRA providing information on the bans and how it affects producers and brands.
Environmental group Boomerang Alliance welcomed the new bans, highlighting the ban on helium balloon releases in Queensland. It said this is a big win for wildlife, as they present a hazard when they fall back to earth, particularly to seabirds and turtles.
Queensland
The plastic ban in Queensland is part of its five-year single-use plastics roadmap. The ban will apply to cotton buds with plastic stems, expanded polystyrene loose-fill packaging, plastic microbeads in personal care items and cleaning products, and balloon releases. The ban will also cover shopping bags that are not made from at least 80 per cent verified recycled plastic and pass reusability tests for 125 uses.
South Australia
The ban in South Australia applies to single-use plastic bowls and plates, as well as cotton buds with plastic stems and plastic pizza savers. Plastic-lined paper plates and bowls are exempt until November 2024.
Western Australia
The ban in Western Australia applies to degradable plastic, cotton buds with plastic shafts, microbeads, expanded polystyrene cups and trays for meat and seafood, and loose fill expanded plastic packaging.
It is part of a four-step plan over the next three years.
