Overview

• The prohibition covers pre-filled soy sauce containers under 30ml with a lid, cap or stopper, while plastic sachets remain allowed.
• The change forms part of an expanded single-use plastics regime that also restricts items such as plastic cutlery and some polystyrene food packaging.
• Environment minister Susan Close says the tiny containers are used for seconds yet frequently end up as beach and street litter.
• Marine experts warn the rigid mini-containers can be mistaken for prey and persist in the ocean, and many are too small for recycling systems to capture.
• Early reactions show some sushi outlets switching to squeeze sachets that are hard to open and recycle, as advocates call for refill options and broader producer responsibility laws.