The National Retail Association’s Policy team actively works across multiple sustainability and environmental regulations impacting retailers and their supply chains. We work directly with multiple governments to deliver state-wide education programs to assist businesses impacted by sustainability policy such as single-use plastic bans.
To support businesses impacted by single-use plastic bans we are currently delivering multiple engagement programs in QLD, ACT, WA and VIC. As part of this, we are visiting thousands of stores in person, manning a tollfree plastics ban hotline, providing resources and websites, and running regular online information sessions.
QLD Stage 2 Plastics Ban Information Session
In June 2022, the QLD Government announced regulations to implement new requirements on plastic shopping bags and a ban on plastic cotton buds, EPS loose-fill packaging, plastic microbeads and balloon releases which will come into effect 1 September 2023. More information about the ban: https://qldplasticsban.com.au/
We are working with the QLD Government to support businesses as they transition, with our team currently visiting thousands of QLD stores in person, providing resources and website, and answering industry questions via our plastics ban hotline. Our QLD online information sessions are now being held every Friday in the lead-up to the ban, and are open and free to all businesses:
Register Here
WA Plastics Ban Stage 2 – Information sessions
In February 2023, the WA Government passed regulations to phase-out a wide range of single-use plastic items, such as produce bags, coffee cups and takeaway food containers, over the next 3 years. The ban is being implemented over 4 phases, with the first ban to commence 1 September 2023. More information about the ban: https://plasticsbanwa.com.au/
We are working with the WA Government to provide resources, a dedicated website, a plastics ban hotline and free information sessions. Our WA online information sessions are held every second Friday, and are open and free to all businesses:
Register Here
ACT Plastics Ban – Info sessions for businesses
In May 2023, the ACT Government passed regulations to ban single-use plastic plates and unlidded bowls, EPS loose-fill packaging and microbeads as of 1 July 2023, as well as a ban on all plastic shopping bags by 1 January 2024. More information about the ban is available on the government website: https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recycling-and-waste/single-use-plastics
The National Retail team are working with the ACT Government to support businesses as they transition over the next few months, with our team visiting hundreds of ACT stores in person, and answering industry questions via our plastics ban hotline. Our ACT online information sessions are held every second Friday, and are open and free to all businesses:
Register Here
Need an update across all states?
We understand that many retailers and their suppliers are impacted by multiple state-based plastic bans, and the different rules for each.
National retailers, hospitality, suppliers or community organisations impacted by multiple state bans are encouraged to come along to our MONTHLY Plastic Bans Across ANZ. This is an ideal session to receive an update across all current and upcoming regulations, though we recommend also attending our state-based sessions for detail on each ban.
Register Here
Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) discussion
The Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) is an easy-to-understand labelling system for consumers and is placed on packaging. The logos inform consumers on where to place the contents of the packaging. Nearly 250,000 products have the ARL on pack in Australia. This program is supported by the Federal Government and won the United Nations best practice award for consumer education programs.
We are running free weekly info sessions to help small and medium businesses to get the ARL on their packaging to help consumers recycle better. The sessions provide a brief overview of the ARL program, how the ARL benefits businesses and consumers, discuss the process, barriers, and address any questions they may have.
Register Here
View the full suite of our current sustainability sessions here.
For any further information or if you would like to share any insights or your experience, please reach out to us at sustainability@nationalretail.org.au