South Australia tackles plastic problem with single-use plastics ban
By Ashmeeta Subra 4 September 2025
South Australia has become the first state in the country to officially phase-out plastic soy sauce fish in addition to other pre-packaged and attached products.
Small plastic soy sauce fish packets, often served with sushi, will officially be banned starting September 1 as part of the state’s broader crackdown on single-use plastics.
The state will also ban other items including single-use plastic drinking straws and cutlery attached to takeaway meals, non-compostable fruit stickers and pre-packaged bowls with ready-made food.
These join earlier rounds of phased-out items such as plastic-stemmed cotton buds, balloon sticks, confetti, pizza savers and more that were already banned between 2023 and 2024.
“Each fish-shaped container is used for just seconds, yet remains in the environment for decades,” said Deputy Premier and Environment Minister Susan Close.
Their small size makes them prone to being lost, blown into waterways or missed by equipment during the recycling process, which often leads to them ending up as microplastics in oceans and soil. According to marine ecologist Dr. Nina Wootton, who studies microplastics at the University of Adelaide, soy sauce fish are a common sight during beach cleanups.
“Often it’s already packed in before you can say no. Anything where the decision is taken out of our hands is a step forward,” Dr. Wootton added.
The State Government is backing South Australian businesses with programs such as Plastic Free SA to help facilitate the shift away from single-use plastics. So far, the program has supported dozens of local businesses to make the switch, with many swapping to reusable or compostable options. Through the partnership, around 51 businesses have gone ‘plastic free’ and more than 174 others are on the path to better alternatives.
Other states like NSW are considering a similar phase-out by 2030 and Tasmania may follow suit. With plastic use set to triple by 2060, the recent ban is a timely push to rethink convenience and choose reusable alternatives wherever possible.
To learn more about alternatives to single-use plastics, visit Recycling Near You.
With background in international relations and marketing communications, Ashmeeta is excited to use her skills to encourage positive environmental actions through Planet Ark. She believes that by taking small actions, we can help make a big difference and be good stewards of our planet. She also loves spending time in nature and being at the beach.
