Businesses are encouraged to ensure they will be compliant with the NSW Plastics Ban as previous exemptions end soon.
The NSW Plastic Ban came into effect in two stages during 2022. The ban included a range of items, such as single-use plastic straws, cutlery, plates, unlidded bowls and lightweight plastic shopping bags. The NSW ban does not currently impact plastic cups, containers, lidded bowls and assorted items in other state bans.
When the NSW bans were implemented, there were several time-limited exemptions for:
- items integrated into products (such as straws attached to juice boxes), and
- plastic-lined plates and unlidded bowls (such as those found in some printed partyware).
More information on the NSW Plastics Ban >
National Retail summary of all plastic bans >
1. Integrated packaging
There are now less than 3 months to go until affected stakeholders will not be able to supply products that include banned single-use plastics integrated into their food and beverage packaging. A transition period was provided for these items when the plastic bans commenced on 1 November 2022 to allow industry time to change processes and run-down existing stock. This transition period will end on 31 December 2024.
Please remember that compostable plastic alternatives are not allowed in NSW, even if certified.
More information is available on NSW EPA website here >
2. Plastic-lined plates and bowls
From 1 November 2024, you will not be able to supply paper plates or bowls that have a plastic lining or coating. This will include plastic-lined products like takeaway cardboard and bagasse bowls without lids and printed or coloured paper ‘party’ plates and bowls.
Please remember that alternatives lined with compostable plastic are not allowed in NSW, even if certified.
More information is available on NSW EPA website here >
Have questions?
Webinar: Monday 30 September 2024 at 11am AEST
NSW EPA will be hosting a live and free online information session on these upcoming changes.
We encourage all impacted businesses to attend.
Register for the webinar >Alternatively you can contact NSW EPA (contact details here).
Have you seen the new NSW Plastics Plan?
Have your say on future bans and plastic initiatives in NSW via their consultation portal, open now until 4 November 2024. Read the Discussion Paper here >
Please note the webinar above will focus on the previous ban exemptions, not the current paper.