Single-use soy sauce fish packets will be banned in South Australia from September 1 as part of the state’s widening restrictions on disposable plastics.
The new rules will also prohibit straws attached to drink containers, cutlery fixed to pre-packaged meals, and plastic fruit stickers.
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Deputy Premier Susan Close said the bans aim to reduce reliance on plastics that end up in landfill or pollute the environment.
“Each fish-shaped container is used for just seconds, yet remains in the environment for decades or centuries if littered,” Close said.
“South Australians are increasingly looking at ways to cut single-use plastics, which devastate our environment,” she said.
The changes are expected to affect hundreds of takeaway outlets and food retailers.
“Their small size means they’re easily dropped, blown away or washed into drains, making them a frequent component of beach and street litter.”
Businesses are being urged to adopt compostable or paper packaging ahead of the September deadline.
South Australia has led the nation in tackling plastic pollution, introducing bans on straws, stirrers and cutlery in 2021.
Officials say the next phase will focus on driving industry innovation and helping consumers adapt to reusable alternatives.
The government has indicated it will continue expanding the program in coming years as part of its broader environmental strategy.
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