World first: Soy sauce fish-shaped containers to be prohibited in South Australia

In a groundbreaking move to promote sustainability and environmental conservation, the government of South Australia has announced a ban on soy sauce fish-shaped containers, starting from September 1, 2022. This ban marks the first of its kind in the world, as these containers are commonly included in takeaway sushi meals and contribute to plastic waste and pollution.

The ban is part of a broader effort to reduce single-use plastic in South Australia, following similar moves made in Scotland and Wales. The update to South Australia's environmental legislation aims to significantly reduce the use of plastic items, mirroring the efforts made by the English government.

Soy sauce fish-shaped containers, known as Shoyu-tai, are often too small to be processed by recycling sorting machinery and end up in landfill instead. These containers are one of many items included in the update, which also includes supermarket carrier bags, plastic straws, cutlery, drinks stirrers, cotton buds, confetti, non-compostable fruit and vegetable stickers, and prepackaged cups and bowls for takeaway meals.

The English legislation on single-use plastic items does not include soy sauce fish-shaped containers, as they are banned separately in South Australia. However, the English government has made significant strides in reducing single-use plastic waste. The ban on single-use plastic carrier bags, for instance, resulted in a drop in sales of 97%. The government also introduced charges for plastic carrier bags as part of the legislation.

The ban on certain plastic items in England, which includes plastic carrier bags, plastic straws, and certain types of polystyrene cups and containers, has been in force since October 2023. The English government claims the legislation aimed at reducing single-use plastic has been successful.

The first soy sauce containers were invented in Japan in the 1950s, originally made of glass or ceramics before becoming plastic. Despite their ubiquity in takeaway sushi meals, these containers have become a significant contributor to plastic waste and pollution.

The ban on soy sauce containers in South Australia is a testament to the government's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. As more countries follow suit, the hope is that the world will see a significant reduction in plastic waste and a healthier environment for all.