On 9 September 2024 the NSW Government announced the draft NSW Plastics: Next Steps plan for consultation. The plan is set to reshape the landscape for businesses and manufacturers dealing with plastic products. With the aim of reducing plastic pollution and its environmental impact, this plan introduces several key measures that will impact businesses and manufacturers. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know and how you can prepare.
The plan focuses on three main areas:
- Reducing Plastic Litter: Targeting frequently littered items and phasing out problematic or unnecessary plastic products.
- Action on Harmful Chemicals and Microplastics: Addressing plastics that release microplastics and regulating items with harmful chemical additives.
- Keeping Pace on Plastic Action: Aligning with actions in other states and territories and setting design standards for plastic items.
Phasing Out Certain Plastics:
- Lightweight Plastic Bags: Businesses will need to transition to alternative materials by June 1, 2022 [3].
- Single-Use Cutlery, Bowls, Plates, Stirrers, and Straws: Consider investing in reusable or biodegradable options by November 1, 2022 [3].
- Plastic Microbeads in Personal Care Products: Manufacturers must reformulate products to comply with new regulations by November 1, 2022 [3].
Design Standards:
- New requirements for manufacturing, packaging, and labelling will be introduced, ensuring that products are designed with sustainability in mind.
Extended Producer Responsibility:
- Brand owners will be held accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, from production to disposal. This means implementing more sustainable practices and possibly redesigning products to be more eco-friendly.
For Businesses:
- Evaluate Current Inventory: Assess which products will be affected and plan for a transition to compliant alternatives.
- Supplier Collaboration: Work closely with suppliers to source sustainable materials and products.
- Customer Communication: Inform your customers about the changes and the benefits of transitioning to more sustainable options.
For Manufacturers:
- Product Redesign: Start reformulating products to eliminate banned materials and comply with new design standards.
- Innovation and Investment: Invest in research and development to create sustainable alternatives that meet regulatory requirements.
- Compliance and Certification: Ensure that your products meet the new standards and obtain necessary certifications.
The NSW Government is currently reviewing feedback from the public consultation period, which ended on February 4, 2024 [2]. The final actions and timelines will be announced following this review. Businesses and manufacturers should stay informed about these updates to ensure compliance and take advantage of any support or incentives offered by the government.
The NSW Plastics: Next Steps plan represents a significant shift towards sustainability, with substantial implications for businesses and manufacturers. By proactively adapting to these changes, you can not only comply with regulations but also position your business as a leader in environmental responsibility. Embrace this opportunity to innovate and contribute to a cleaner, healthier future for NSW.
Public consultation will close on 4 November 2024. For more detailed information and to stay updated on the latest developments, visit the official NSW EPA website.
We recommend seeking advice and making a submission if you are concerned about the impact of the plan on your business.
