Western Australian Government bans foamed plastics

Coinciding with the start of ‘Plastic Free July’, the Western Australian Government has banned moulded expanded plastic packaging (EPP), now effective, as part of Stage 2 of its Plan for Plastics.

Plastic Free July is a global movement helping people be part of the solution to plastic pollution, by making a pledge to avoid single-use plastics throughout the month of July. The not-for-profit organisation started in WA in 2011 and has grown into one of the world's biggest environmental campaigns, supported by the WA Government.

According to an Ipsos report, a record 174 million people took part in Plastic Free July last year avoiding an estimated 390 million kilograms of plastic.

The new regulations in WA mean products with moulded packaging made from expanded plastics, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) or that are cut to shape, can no longer be sold or supplied by businesses, manufacturers, retailers or distributors in WA.

The ban aligns with the national EPS phase-out roadmap, developed by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation, and goes a step further by capturing other expanded plastics that are difficult to recycle and often end up as litter.

EPS materials are lightweight and easily scattered by wind and water. They pose a serious threat to wildlife and are not suitable for kerbside recycling.

The ban follows on from a 28-month transition period that allowed businesses to research, trial and implement alternative packaging solutions. The State Government will take an education-focused approach to compliance.

Exemptions will apply for specific medical, fresh food delivery, and business-to-business uses, and for proven fragile products that have no viable alternative.

To help businesses adjust, the National Retail Association has been providing support and resources. A detailed Guide for Businesses has also been developed to help retailers understand and comply with the changes.

For more information on Plastic Free July

To find out more about the moulded EPP ban