NSW announces next stage of plastic bans including bread tags and pizza savers
Plastic bread labels and pizza savers will soon be off the menu in NSW as the state continues its crackdown on single-use plastics in a bid to reduce pollution and protect the environment.
The changes form part of the next phase of the NSW Plastics Plan, a long-term strategy that has already eliminated items such as plastic straws, cutlery and lightweight shopping bags.
The new phase targets “unnecessary and difficult-to-recycle plastic products” and will be phased in from next year to 2030.
The move comes in the wake of growing global concern over microplastics, which are increasingly found in waterways, wildlife and even the human body.
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said the updated plan aims to protect both people and the planet.
“Microplastics enter our bodies and plastic pollutes our environment and oceans, killing our wildlife,” he said in a statement.
“This plan brings NSW one step closer to phasing out these problematic elements,” Ms Sharpe said.
At a press conference on Sunday, Ms Sharpe said the state’s growing waste problem was putting pressure on landfill capacity.
“We’re running out of landfall in New South Wales and we’re running out of land in Greater Sydney,” he said.
He noted that last year alone, NSW produced more than 935,000 tonnes of plastic waste, of which less than 16 per cent was recycled.
“A lot of it ends up in our waterways, our parks, and it makes a mess.”
Enforcement will begin next year when NSW joins other states in banning the release of lighter-than-air helium balloons.
Government buildings will also begin trialling reusable cup programs, which are expected to expand to takeout outlets by 2028 and become mandatory for larger food businesses by 2030.
Starting in late 2027, plastic bread labels and small tripod-shaped pizza protectors will be phased out. The same year will also see plastic bags with handles and plastic umbrella covers banned, regardless of thickness.
Non-compostable plastic fruit and vegetable stickers will also be eliminated.
Miniature soy sauce “fish” bottles and small condiment containers are also being scrapped, in line with measures already taken in South Australia.
To ensure safer production standards, the government will introduce a list of “green” and “red” chemicals, the first initiative in Australia that will identify which substances are allowed or banned in plastic production and highlight safer alternatives.
Member for Strathfield, Jason Yat-Sen Li, whose electorate is home to a vibrant hospitality scene, said the plan provided local businesses with a clear path forward.
“Our takeaway and hospitality businesses are the backbone of our economy in Strathfield and Burwood,” Mr Li said.
“They want to do the right thing and now have a clear and practical way to reduce plastic waste.
“This is a real opportunity for businesses to lead. From sushi and dumpling bars to bakeries and noodle shops, Strathfield’s food scene could be at the forefront of the next wave of sustainability.”
