Published On: August 20th, 2025

South Australia Ditches Iconic “Soy Fish” in Bold Anti‑Plastic Move

by Laura Carrazza – Head of Community Programs, Keep Australia Beautiful

South Australia has once again raised the bar in environmental stewardship, becoming the first state to eliminate the ubiquitous soy sauce “fish” containers as part of a sweeping new single-use plastics ban commencing 1 September 2025.

These tiny plastic fish-dispensed at sushi chains and takeaways nationwide,are “used for just seconds,” yet linger in the environment for decades, often washed into waterways or escaping recycling systems due to their size. They now join a growing list of banned items, including plastic straws and cutlery attached to food or drinks, pre-packaged cups and bowls, and non‑compostable fruit stickers.

 

 

Why This Matters

South Australia’s phased strategy, under the Single-use and Other Plastic Products (Waste Avoidance) Act-reflects decades of incremental leadership. From ditching plastic bags in 2009 to the most recent wave of bans, the state continues aligning policy with environmental reality.

The soy sauce fish serve as a perfect example of plastic pollution’s absurdity-but also its cumulative impact. Their elimination symbolizes a transition from convenience to conscience.

 

 

Keep Australia Beautiful’s Take

“This move is more than just removing a quirky bit of packaging – it’s a powerful statement that small, habitual plastic waste adds up. South Australia is harnessing its legacy of environmental innovation, and we at Keep Australia Beautiful applaud this courage and clarity from our community leaders,” says Laura Carrazza, Head of Community Programs at KAB. “By phasing out the tiny but pervasive ‘soy fish’, we’re not just protecting marine life, we’re reinforcing that ethical choice, not convenience, defines our culture.”

 

 

What Comes Next

Businesses and consumers alike will need to pivot to sustainable alternatives: sachets, squeezable packs, or certified compostable containers all remain available and compliant. Already, certain bans-like that on plastic fruit stickers-are being paused or recalibrated to avoid undue burden on producers, indicating a thoughtful, flexible approach.

South Australia’s initiative also dovetails with national and global efforts, including a push for a legally binding plastics treaty and similar policy discussions in other states like NSW and Tasmania.

South Australia continues setting the pace, and Keep Australia Beautiful is right there, cheering on businesses, communities, and policymakers as they steer us toward a cleaner, more thoughtful future.

https://www.weare.sa.gov.au/news/what-you-need-to-know-about-sas-new-plastic-bans?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.9news.com.au/national/south-australia-bans-single-use-plastic-soy-sauce-fish-containers/9035fce9-f8e9-4af1-bbd3-263c61819885?utm_source=chatgpt.com

PHOTO CREDIT- Take 3 For The Sea

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