South Australia to Ban Plastic Soy Sauce Fish Packets and Other Single-Use Items
In a bid to reduce reliance on single-use plastics, South Australia is set to ban takeaway soy sauce fish packets, plastic straws attached to drink containers, and spoons and forks attached to pre-packaged foods from September 1.
Background
In 2023, the South Australian government banned plastic stemmed cotton buds, plastic pizza savers, single-use plastic plates and bowls.
A year later, it extended the ban to include plastic bags, plastic balloon sticks, and single-use plastic coffee cups and lids, among other items.
Government Support
According to Deputy Premier Susan Close, the state government will continue to assist businesses in transitioning to reusable, recyclable or compostable alternatives.
Many South Australian businesses have already made the switch, with the government crediting local businesses with removing over eight million single-use plastic items since 2021.
Business Response
Elliott Horner, venue and events manager at Evergreen Deli, welcomed the move, citing environmental consciousness as a top priority.
“As we care for the very place we call home, nestled within Adelaide Botanic Garden, we believe this change will help preserve the natural world,” Horner said.
National Trend
South Australia is not alone in its efforts to reduce single-use plastics.
New South Wales and Victoria have also implemented similar bans, with other states expected to follow suit.