Hey there, eco-warriors! Western Australia is rolling out the most comprehensive ban on single-use plastics, kicking in on March 1, 2024. Say goodbye to disposable plastic cups, lids, and trays as we dive into Stage 2 of the Plan for Plastics in WA. Let's spill the tea on what's in, what's out, and the chic alternatives for both businesses and customers.
The Cup Ban: What's Sippable and What's Skippable
So long, plastic cups! This ban covers all shapes and sizes used for hot drinks like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. But fear not, your trusty paper or natural fibre cups are exempt as long as they're compostable champs meeting the Aussie standards. Plastic beverage containers, food containers, reusable cups, and those sneaky polystyrene cups in noodle packs get a free pass too.
Sustainability Shoutout: For those needing disposable cups, go for the certified compostable bioplastic lined or aqueous dispersed paper cups – they're the green superheroes of the beverage world!
The Lid Ban: Unleashing the Lidless Revolution
The lid ban is here to save the day! No more disposable plastic lids messing up our oceans. Bioplastic or plastic-lined paperboard lids, pure bioplastic lids, certified compostable lids, and those heat-sealed films are getting the boot. But uncoated paperboard or natural fibre lids are the unsung heroes, exempt from the lid-free lifestyle. Reusable plastic lids are also the cool cats of the lid world.
Top Tip: Encourage customers to bring their own lidded cups or embrace the no-lid life. And if you need disposable lids, make sure they're uncoated paperboard like our combi lid, or sugarcane pulp – plastic and bioplastic-free, please!
The Tray Ban: Tray-ting the Planet Right
Starting March 1, 2024, plastic unlidded food trays like plastic-lined takeaway tray boats are getting the boot. But, hang on – compostable lined paperboard trays are still partying, and trays with lids are safe until September 1, 2024. Reusable plastic trays, meat and seafood trays, and trays for pre-packaged goodies are the chosen ones, exempt from the ban.
Green Move: Encourage BYO foodware, and rock reusable options like ceramic or metal, or go for disposable heroes like PLAnet Trays that are certified compostable and ditch the greaseproof paper at the same time!
As Western Australia gears up for this plastic ban extravaganza, it's time for businesses and the whole gang to join the eco-friendly fiesta. Say hello to compostable alternatives, dance into exchange programs, and make choices that shout, "We love our planet!" Together, we can ditch the single-use plastic scene and create a cleaner, greener world for generations to come. Cheers to a plastic-free future! ��✨