Australian Single Use Plastic Bans & Vegware's Eco Alternatives

From 2020, various single-use plastic bans (SUP bans) have been proposed and introduced across Australia. The specifics of each SUP ban varies between each state and territory. Click on yours below to view details.

The below information has been compiled to assist our customers in understanding which foodservice packaging items are impacted and offer alternatives from within the Vegware range. For further information you may contact your state EPA (Environmental Protection Authority) or follow the links provided.

In certain states and territories, some Vegware alternatives are also impacted. Wherever this is the case, we have specified below.

Below information last updated: 08/07/2022

New South Wales

The below collected information is as per the NSW Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021 - read more on the NSW Dept of Planning and Environment website.

Banned

Plastic Cutlery (including bioplastics)

This ban includes compostable bioplastic cutlery, regardless of certification. However our wooden cutlery serves as a suitable alternative.

Banned

Plastic Straws (including bioplastics)

This ban includes compostable bioplastic straws, regardless of certification. However our strong paper straws serve as a suitable alternative.

Alternatives

Banned

Plastic Bowls* & Plates

The ban also applies to compostable bioplastics, regardless of certification. *However the ban does not apply to single-use plastic bowls designed or intended to have a spill-proof lid.

Banned

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Takeaway Food Containers

Vegware do not (and will not) supply any items made from EPS, and have a wide range of suitable alternatives available.

Banned

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Plates & Bowls

Vegware do not (and will not) supply any items made from EPS, and have a wide range of suitable alternatives available.

Banned

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Cups

Vegware do not (and will not) supply any items made from EPS, and have a wide range of suitable alternatives available.

Banned

Lightweight Plastic Shopping Bags (including bioplastics)

This ban includes compostable bioplastic shopping bags, regardless of certification. However our paper carry bags serve as a suitable alternative.

Alternatives

Victoria

The below collected details are as per the VIC Environment Protection Amendment (Banning Single-Use Plastic Items) Regulations 2022 - read more at vic.gov.au

Read more about the VIC Bag Ban at vicbagban.com.au

Banned

Plastic Cutlery

This ban includes compostable bioplastic cutlery, regardless of certification. However our wooden cutlery serves as a suitable alternative.

Banned

Plastic Straws

This ban includes compostable bioplastic straws, regardless of certification. However our long-lasting paper straws serves as a suitable alternative.

Alternatives

Banned

Plastic Plates

Vegware do not supply any plastic or bioplastic plates, though do supply a great alternative made from bagasse / sugarcane fibre.

Banned

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Takeaway Food Containers

Vegware do not (and will not) supply any items made from EPS, and have a wide range of suitable alternatives available.

Banned

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Plates & Bowls

Vegware do not (and will not) supply any items made from EPS, and have a wide range of suitable alternatives available.

Banned

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Cups

Vegware do not (and will not) supply any items made from EPS, and have a wide range of suitable alternatives available.

Banned

Lightweight Plastic Shopping Bags (including bioplastics)

This ban includes compostable bioplastic shopping bags, regardless of certification. However our paper carry bags serve as a suitable alternative.

Alternatives

Queensland

The below collected details are as per Queensland's Plastic Pollution Reduction Plan - read more at qld.gov.au

Read more about the plastic bag ban at qld.gov.au

Banned

Plastic Cutlery

Bioplastic alternatives are permitted if certified commercially compostable to AS 4736. Vegware's CPLA / Bioplastic cutlery is certified to AS 4736.

Banned

Plastic Straws (including bioplastics)

This ban includes our compostable bioplastic straws. However our strong paper straws serve as a suitable alternative.

Alternatives

Banned

Plastic Bowls & Plates

Vegware have a vast range of suitable compostable alternatives available.

Banned

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Takeaway Food Containers

Vegware do not (and will not) supply any items made from EPS, and have a wide range of suitable alternatives available.

Banned

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Cups

Vegware do not (and will not) supply any items made from EPS, and have a wide range of suitable alternatives available.

Banned

Lightweight Plastic Shopping Bags (including bioplastics)

This ban includes compostable bioplastic shopping bags, regardless of certification. However our paper carry bags serve as a suitable alternative.

Alternatives

South Australia

The first Australian state to introduce a single-use plastics ban!

The below collected details are as per the Single-Use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Act 2020 - read more at replacethewaste.sa.gov.au

Read more about SA's 2009 plastic bag ban at epa.sa.gov.au

Note: Oxo-degradable plastics are also banned within SA. Vegware do not manufacture or supply oxo-degradable products.

Banned

Plastic Cutlery (including bioplastics)

This ban includes compostable bioplastic cutlery, regardless of certification. However our wooden cutlery serves as a suitable alternative.

Banned

Plastic Straws (including bioplastics)

This ban includes compostable bioplastic straws, regardless of certification. However our long-lasting paper straws serves as a suitable alternative.

Alternatives

Banned

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Takeaway Food Containers

e.g. polystyrene burger boxes
Vegware do not (and will not) supply any items made from EPS, and have a wide range of suitable alternatives available.

Banned

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Plates & Bowls

Vegware do not (and will not) supply any items made from EPS, and have a wide range of suitable alternatives available.

Banned

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Cups

Vegware do not (and will not) supply any items made from EPS, and have a wide range of suitable alternatives available.

Banned

Lightweight Plastic Shopping Bags

Our paper carry bags serve as a suitable alternative.

Alternatives

Western Australia

The below collected details are as per the Environment Protection (Prohibited Plastics & Balloons) Regulations 2018 - read more at plasticbanswa.com.au

Banned

Plastic Cutlery

This ban includes compostable bioplastic cutlery, regardless of certification. However our wooden cutlery serves as a suitable alternative.

Banned

Plastic Straws

This ban includes compostable bioplastic straws, regardless of certification. However our long-lasting paper straws serves as a suitable alternative.

Alternatives

Banned

Plastic Bowls & Plates

Bowls and containers with a lid are exempt from the ban.

Banned

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Takeaway Food Containers

Vegware do not (and will not) supply any items made from EPS, and have a wide range of suitable alternatives available.

Banned

Lightweight Plastic Shopping Bags (including bioplastics)

This ban includes compostable bioplastic shopping bags, regardless of certification. However our paper carry bags serve as a suitable alternative.

Alternatives

Banned

Plastic Cold Cups (including bioplastics)

This ban applies to single-use plastic cups and plastic-lined paper cups intended to serve cold beverages. Bioplastics such as PLA are included in this ban, regardless of certification. Vegware do not currently have a suitable alternative.

Tasmania

The below collected information is as per City of Hobart's Single-Use Plastic By-Law - read more at hobartcity.com.au

Read more about the statewide plastic bag ban at epa.tas.gov.au

Banned

Plastic Cutlery

The Single-Use Plastic By-Law applies to City of Hobart only. Compostable alternatives are exempt.

Banned

Plastic Straws

The Single-Use Plastic By-Law applies to City of Hobart only. Compostable alternatives are exempt.

Banned

Plastic Sandwich Wedges

The Single-Use Plastic By-Law applies to City of Hobart only. Compostable alternatives are exempt.

Alternatives

Banned

Plastic & Plastic-Lined Cups & Cup Lids

The Single-Use Plastic By-Law applies to City of Hobart only. Compostable alternatives are exempt.

Banned

Sachets or Packets (for single serve condiments)

(e.g. tomato sauce sachets, soy sauce fish). The Single-Use Plastic By-Law applies to City of Hobart only. Compostable alternatives are exempt.

Banned

Lightweight Plastic Shopping Bags

Statewide ban. Our paper carry bags serve as a suitable alternative.

Alternatives

Northern Territory

Rules and restrictions apply to single-use plastic use at events on council land and Darwin's markets - read more at darwin.nt.gov.au

Read more about the territory-wide plastic bag ban at ntepa.nt.gov.au

Banned

Plastic Cutlery

Bioplastic items are permitted, provided they are both bio-based and biodegradable (e.g. PLA, CPLA, PBS). Vegware alternatives are both bio-based and biodegradable (compostable).

Banned

Plastic Straws

Bioplastic items are permitted, provided they are both bio-based and biodegradable (e.g. PLA, CPLA, PBS). Vegware alternatives are both bio-based and biodegradable (compostable).

Banned

Plastic Plates & Bowls

Bioplastic items are permitted, provided they are both bio-based and biodegradable (e.g. PLA, CPLA, PBS). Vegware alternatives are both bio-based and biodegradable (compostable).

Banned

Plastic Takeaway Containers

Bioplastic items are permitted, provided they are both bio-based and biodegradable (e.g. PLA, CPLA, PBS). Vegware alternatives are both bio-based and biodegradable (compostable).

Banned

Lightweight Plastic Shopping Bags

Our paper carry bags serve as a suitable alternative.

Alternatives

Australian Capital Territory

The below collected information is as per the Plastic Reduction Act 2021 - read more at cityservices.act.gov.au

Note: Oxo-degradable plastics are also banned within ACT. Vegware do not manufacture or supply oxo-degradable products.

Banned

Plastic Cutlery

This ban includes compostable bioplastic cutlery, regardless of certification. However our wooden cutlery serves as a suitable alternative.

Banned

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Takeaway Food Containers

Vegware do not (and will not) supply any items made from EPS, and have a wide range of suitable alternatives available.

Banned

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Cups

Vegware do not (and will not) supply any items made from EPS, and have a wide range of suitable alternatives available.

Banned

Plastic Straws (including bioplastics)

This ban includes compostable bioplastic straws, regardless of certification. However our strong paper straws serve as a suitable alternative.

Alternatives

Banned

Lightweight Plastic Shopping Bags

Our paper carry bags serve as a suitable alternative.

Alternatives