South Australia's Stance on Single-Use Plastics
Posted by Huskee on 21st Aug 2024
Read time: 4 minutes
South Australia is leading the nation in combating plastic pollution with the upcoming ban on single-use coffee cups, lids, and beverage plugs on September 1, 2024. This action aligns with the state's Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Act 2020, setting a precedent for other states and territories to follow. As the ban and phase-out of additional single-use items commence, it's imperative that businesses and individuals embrace reusable alternatives to build a waste-free future. We commend South Australia for its efforts in reducing waste and for creating an example for other states to create a world without waste.
What is being banned in South Australia?
South Australia has acknowledged that while plastic is omnipresent in our lives, it does hurt our environment and resources. Following the Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Act 2020, from the 1st of September 2024, single-use plastic beverage containers (including coffee cups and lids) will be banned.
From the 1st of September, the following will also be phased out: plastic barrier bags, thick supermarket plastic bags, plastic confetti, plastic balloon sticks and ties, and food bag tags. By recognizing the pervasive use of single-use plastic in everyday life and implementing strategic phase-outs; governments, businesses, and consumers can collaboratively transition towards a circular economy. This shift not only mitigates plastic waste but also fosters sustainable behaviour and future. You can find out more about the ban here.
Why is it important to ban single-use plastics?
The prevalence of single-use plastics, particularly coffee cups, poses a significant threat to our environment. Plastic was never intended to be short-lived, and is often used for only minutes, and then persists for decades in our waste streams and environment. Implementing legislation to ban these items is often an effective method in helping mitigate plastic pollution and fostering a circular economy. It is through the transition to reusable alternatives that we can conserve resources, reduce waste, and safeguard our planet for future generations. This systemic change necessitates collaboration to empower behaviour change and create a truly sustainable future.
The Answer... Reusables
A shift in our relationship with plastic is imperative. By implementing bans and phase-outs, policymakers can help catalyse a shift towards reusable alternatives. This transition requires collaboration between governments, businesses, and consumers to establish a circular economy framework that is envisioned. The highest priority solution to move away from a linear economy of 'make, take, waste' is to design out waste and reuse/repurpose it where possible as part of circular economy principles. Reuse and reuse models are systems where products are reused or repurposed. There are four reuse models that framework the need for both refill and return opportunities by both businesses and consumers to help facilitate reuse. Read more about the four reuse models.
In a circular economy materials are designed to be reused, not used up, and should be designed to ensure that materials are not lost. This means considering every process, material and component so that maximum use is achieved. Shifting to these models can have a number of positive consequences, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a superior user experience, building brand loyalty and the best part for businesses - saving on ongoing costs (Ellen Macarthur Foundation). By embracing a circular economy and prioritising reuse, we can collectively mitigate plastic pollution, conserve resources, and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Why Huskee and HuskeeSwap?
As a pioneer in reuse and refill systems, we recognise the critical need for convenient solutions that cater to both businesses and consumers. In response to this demand, we developed HuskeeSwap – a system designed to facilitate a seamless transition from single-use to reusable coffee cups. By challenging the linear consumption model, HuskeeSwap promotes a circular economy within the coffee industry. Conservatively, over 1.6 million single-use cups have been eliminated globally since 2020, at the source, through over 1,100 HuskeeSwap businesses in our network.
For businesses
HuskeeSwap maximises behaviour change while minimising the impact on business workflows. This is done through our unique Opt-in purchase model, which adds an additional revenue stream for businesses (cup retail) as well as significant ongoing savings on disposable packaging costs with uptake. There are low startup costs, with a purchase of a float of a minimum of 24 cups, which is on rotation to supplement HuskeeCups brought in by customers. Not only does this reduce costs, but it is a massive win for saving bench space in a busy cafe. Want to know more information? Use our Huskee Impact Calculator to explore savings and impacts, and you can view our Cafe Benefits document.
Ample studies have shown that Reuse always Wins and built the business case, which is why we have designed a system to help make Reuse convenient and the default way coffee is served. To see stats of other businesses that have implemented HuskeSwap.
For customers
HuskeeSwap can be used whenever you get a takeaway coffee; all you need is a HuskeeCup. Simply swap your used HuskeeCup at any participating HuskeeSwap site (we have 19 Swap Sites in South Australia) when you order your coffee, and they will Swap it for a clean one with your favourite coffee in it. This means that you can Swap your HuskeeCup for any size, depending on your mood and thirst. 8oz today, 12oz tomorrow, and you don't have to worry about putting your cup in the dishwasher - as the cafe will have a clean HuskeeCup from their float ready for you. Think of it as 'BYO with benefits".
With over 550 HuskeeSwap sites in Australia alone, we are providing a blueprint and opportunities for successful reuse implementation by eliminating single-use cups at the source. If you don't have a HuskeeSwap site near you and love the idea, why not refer your local cafe, and we will contact them.
Summary
The phase-out and bans of single-use plastic items in South Australia is a significant way in which waste can be reduced and landmarks such as Adelaide Botanic Gardens and Rundle Mall are free of plastic waste. We commend South Australia on these actions, and we hope that these actions will be a source of inspiration and catalyst for governments, individuals and corporations to work together to enact more sustainable practices. Huskee is leading the innovation and change against single-use coffee cup behaviour with reusable products and services. Providing a convenient and sustainable reuse alternative empowers businesses and customers to reduce waste and embrace a circular economy. Together, we can create a lasting positive impact on the environment, one reusable cup at a time.