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From the 1st of September 2021, the single-use plastic ban will prohibit businesses from using a range of single-use plastic items in QLD


The single-use plastic ban is a Queensland legislative change that will prohibit businesses from using a range of single-use plastic items. This ban aims to tackle the national growing plastic waste issue, with over 3.4 million tonnes of plastics being consumed in Australia and less than 10% of that waste getting recycled. The ban will take effect from 1st of September 2021. Find out key information about what the ban involves below, why it’s important and how you as a business (or customer) need to change or visit the QLD Gov Website.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE BAN

Below is an exhaustive list of items that are currently included in the upcoming ban. However, the QLD Government has announced that this list will continue to grow in phase two which is scheduled for 2022.

- Expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers and cups.
- Plates and bowls including single-use expanded polystyrene plates
- Straws: regular straws, flexible straws, straws with a scoop, cocktail straws and bubble tea straws
- Stirrers: hot or cold drink stirrers, swizzle sticks and hot or cold food stirrers
- Plates and bowls including single-use expanded polystyrene plates
- Cutlery: knives, forks, spoons, teaspoons, sample tasting spoons, soup spoons, chopsticks, splayds and sporks
- With more items such as plastic containers and coffee cups likely to be added in the near future.

WHY THE PLASTIC BAN IS IMPORTANT FOR QUEENSLANDERS

With over half of plastic items designed to be only used once, then thrown away, this disposable culture is putting increasing pressure on our beautiful Queensland environment, with over 130,000 tonnes of plastic finding its way into our waterways, oceans and reef - reducing the quality and health of these ecosystems. This targeted upstream change will work to reduce a significant area of plastic production, use and waste, shifting businesses and consumers to a more reusable mind state, helping to look after our unique environment and the state's $28 billion dollar tourism industry .

WHO WILL BE AFFECTED

This is a state wide ban, meaning most businesses in Queensland will be affected, including; supermarkets, cafes, hotels, takeaway food shops, restaurants, etc. However customers will also be affected, as this will require behavioural changes on their part - shifting away from single use plastic products and procedures.

There are a few exceptions to the ban, specifically in the health care industry that still need to access single use items, including: clinics or facilities that provide care to persons with a disability or health needs, hospitals, dental clinics, medical clinics, pharmacies, aged care facilities and medical suppliers.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO AS A BUSINESS

As a business you need to start looking for ways to phase out these products, keeping in mind that this list of banned items will only continue to grow into the future – so it’s better to look beyond the basic requirements, assessing your overarching use of single-use and plastic items, considering how your business could become more sustainable.

POTENTIAL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

There are three main types of items (listed below) which could replace the current items your business uses on the banned list, each with their own pro’s & con’s and varying levels of sustainability. As mentioned, the number of banned single-use items will only continue to grow into the future, meaning that switching to non-plastic reusable products, offers the most sustainable, long term solution. These products are not only the most sustainable solution, they can transform an expense into a revenue stream - being sold directly to customers at your POS.
GOOD
Compostable Single-Use Plastics

Compostable plastics and other packaging items certified to the Australian standards (AS4736/AS 5810) are allowed/exempt from the ban. This means biodegradable plastic plates and cutlery will still be an option once the ban commences.

PRO'S
- Minimal effect on existing operations.

CON'S
- Significant emissions expense to produce.
- Still creates immense single-use waste.
- Less than 10% of these items get recycled.
- Becomes an added ongoing expense to your business.

BETTER
Single-Use Cardboard Products

While items such as biodegradable cardboard minimise operational impact, the resources required to make these types of products, versus their single-use nature, means that their impact on the environment is still quite high, from an energy and waste POV.

PRO'S
- Minimal effect on existing operations.
- Faster decomposition arch than compostable plastics.

CON'S
- Still creates immense single-use waste.
- Becomes an added ongoing expense to your business.

BEST
Reusable Non-Plastic Products

Reusable non-plastic items are great for the environment and can also provide financial benefits. These items can become another revenue stream for your business when purchased by your customer – transforming an expense into a money-making avenue.

PRO'S
- Transforms an expense into a potential revenue stream.
- More portable than other single-use option.
- Creates a point of difference for your store.
- Very sustainably and environmentally friendly.

CON'S
- Requires change to any single-use operations.
- Initial outlay cost can be higher.

HOW POTTERY FOR THE PLANET CAN HELP

We're all about sustainability, but we also understand that change can be hard, that's why we're working with local businesses to incorporate reusable products and practices into their daily operations.

We've developed an extensive range of handcrafted ceramic reusable containers bowls, perfect for meals on the go. These bowls are stackable, portable and also look fantastic - check out a preview of our range below or enquire about becoming a stockist.

WATCH OUR VIDEO ON HOW TO USE OUR REUSABLE BOWLS

Reusable takeaway containers should be the new norm just like reusable coffee cups. Bring your bowl to your favourite restaurant instead of resorting to nasty single-use plastic takeaway containers. It's that easy!

HOW WE PARTNER WITH STOCKISTS

We look to partner with our wholesale stockists, assisting however we can to ensure they succeed, helping us spread reusable culture for a more sustainable Queensland. These wholesale benefits include:

  • access to exclusive discounts
  • promotion to our 115K+ followers
  • advice on best display practices
  • point of sale material
  • easy online ordering
  • quick turnaround times


  • OUR PARTNERS