New regulations banning single-use plastics and packaging are here!

17 Jun, 2021

The environmental impact of packaging waste, plastics in particular, has become a global issue. 

In response to the public demand for action against climate change and improved sustainability, many countries and regions around the world are tightening regulations and starting the movement to ban single use plastics. We have already seen this in action in Australia with the ban of single use plastic bags, with many states now moving to ban items such as straws, cutlery and foam packaging.

As responsible packaging manufacturer and suppliers, we at O’Kelly have made it our mission to ensure that we remain at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing practices and materials, so that we have the ability to continue to supply the most sustainable packaging solutions available to our customers. We are also a proud member of the governing body, The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO).

APCO and the Government have committed to the following 2025 National Packaging Targets:

1. 100% of packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable
2. 70% of plastic packaging recycled or compostable
3. 50% average recycled content across all packaging
4. Phase out problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging 

The objective is to shift the economy and community away from single use disposable plastic packaging to more sustainable and recyclable packaging.

Each state now has an action plan to meet the 4 National Packaging Targets, with regulations drastically effecting the food and beverage industry in Australia. 

So how will it affect your business?

The regulations will ban the sale and supply of problematic plastic single-use take-away food packaging. 

The items that are fast becoming banned by the states include plastic cutlery, stirrers, straws, plates, cups and containers. As well as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) containers such as clamshells and cups.

APCO released their ‘Action Plan for Problematic and Unnecessary Single-Use Plastic Packaging’ (available here) in December 2020. Outlined in the plan (see page 7-9) is a timeline of regulations that will come into place, depending on your state. 

For example; From March 2021, South Australia have banned the sale and supply of plastic straws, cutlery, drink stirrers. They have also banned EPS cups, bowls, plates, containers and lightweight plastic bags. South Australia will next be looking into the legislation of the sale and distribution of oxo-degradable products.

The good news!

Alternative single use packaging options with reduced environmental impacts are now on the rise!

Have no fear - O’Kelly would never leave you in the lurch!

There has been an abundance of research and development into future friendly product packaging solutions using sustainable materials including sugarcane, cornstarch, and wood products that meet the new governing regulations.

At O’Kelly we take pride in providing our customers with sustainability sourced, environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Check out the Zirrro future friendly range of packaging products which have been given the recyclable, compostable, biodegradable or sustainable tick of approval!

Browse the Zirrro range here!