South Australia has implemented its latest round of single-use plastic restrictions, with fish-shaped soy sauce containers, plastic cutlery, and plastic straws attached to beverages now banned, effective September 1 2025.
The move targets items that are “used for just seconds yet remain in the environment for years,” according to state officials.
The tiny fish-shaped containers, popular in Asian cuisine, pose particular environmental risks due to their size—they’re easily lost to wind or washing into storm drains, frequently appearing in beach litter and marine environments.
For restaurant operators, the transition represents both a challenge and an opportunity to demonstrate environmental leadership. Hanamura Norwood, a Japanese restaurant in Adelaide, made the switch early. “We changed to compostable sauce containers a while back,” said owner Abby Zhang. “Our customers have been incredibly supportive of this transition.”
Business impact and solutions
The Plastic Free SA program offers free guidance to help restaurants identify compliant alternatives. Options include:
- Bulk dispensers for condiments
- Refillable containers
- Sachets or squeezable packs
- Certified compostable containers
Since South Australia began its plastic ban program in 2021, the Plastic Free SA initiative has helped eliminate more than 15 million single-use plastic items across the hospitality sector.
Strong public support
Community consultation revealed overwhelming support for the measures, with 97% of more than 3,000 respondents backing the expansion of bans on single-use plastics. This builds on South Australia’s pioneering role—the state was first in Australia to ban single-use plastic shopping bags in 2009.
The regulations continue South Australia’s annual September rollout of plastic restrictions, part of a broader strategy to reduce the projected tripling of ocean plastic waste by 2040.
Restaurant operators can access detailed compliance information and alternative product guides through the Replace the Waste program website.
