The Queensland Government has proposed certain single-use plastic products to be banned from sale or supply, with a start date after July 1, 2021. This is an exciting step towards eliminating single-use plastics, and makes Queensland a leader of the country.
Plastic straws would be banned from sale or supply under the proposed plastics ban. The government consulted the public and stakeholders, and proposed the following products to be banned:
Straws and cutlery that form part of a product, such as the straw attached to a juice box, are exempt from the ban until the government can consult with manufacturers.
94% of Queenslander surveyed supported a single-use plastic ban. Almost 20,000 Queenslanders and businesses had a say on the proposed ban.
(Some people, such as those with disability or healthcare needs, will require continued access to these products. The government is developing special considerations in consultation with these groups).
There are alternatives available to replace the single-use plastic items. The products proposed to be banned have readily available alternatives, and in many cases could simply be avoided completely. For example:
In the future, the government will consider banning other items, such as takeaway coffee cups and 'reusable' plastic shopping bags. The government will consider banning other single-use plastic products in the future, including:
To learn what alternatives to plastic we provide, see our product page. Information taken from the Queensland Government website. Read about how to reduce coffee cups in landfill and the history of plastic, on our blog.
Planet Friendly Packaging acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by COVID-19. Stay safe.
