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Single-use plastics
There is increasing consumer and government concern regarding “single-use” plastics, such as takeaway containers, straws, cutlery and other plastic items typically used once and then discarded.
Our position
The NRA supports initiatives to improve environmental impact, however these changes must be:
- nationally consistent
- fair for all retailers regardless of size
- carefully considered and researched
- commercially viable and realistic
Currently Australian businesses lack access to sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic items that are fit-for-purpose and affordable for all businesses. Current alternatives are up to 100 times more expensive than plastic options, and this could unfairly increase the cost of living for many Australians.
In addition, if different laws exist for different regions then businesses and consumers trying to do the right thing can actually be unfairly disadvantaged as they try to compete with businesses not affected by the increased costs.
Retailers support the reduction of single-use plastic, but there is more work to be done to ensure retailers and consumers are able to implement change in a fair, practical and long-lasting way.
Multiple policies affecting retail
Governments in multiple states and territories are currently either implementing or considering bans on a range of plastic items including:
- beverage containers
- plastic straws
- plastic cutlery
- plastic stirrers
- plastic plates / bowls
- plastic cups
- plastic takeaway containers
- polystyrene containers, plates, bowls and cups
- plastic lined coffee cups
- plastic bags
- degradable / oxodegradable plastics
- balloons
The National Retail Association is involved across all jurisdictions, representing retailer perspectives and ultimately encouraging national consistency to prevent negative impacts and confusion.
Download our Summary Table on current and proposed legislation affecting plastic.
SUMMARY TABLE (June 2020)Get involved
National Retail Association Sustainability Committee
Sustainability is a broad and vastly different proposition for the various channels of retail, however all have a commitment to the community and social responsibility.
The National Retail Association (NRA) Sustainability Committee seeks to minimise impact on the environment, whilst maintaining reputation and meeting the current and future expectations of customers.
The NRA’s Sustainability Committee aims to:
- bring together experts from across the retail industry, government and associated stakeholders to continue the momentum of positive sustainability regulations;
- consider the impact of retail activities upon sustainability, the community and environment;
- consider the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives, such as policy and industry mechanisms;
- contribute expertise to ensure sustainability policy is commercially viable and delivers sustainable outcomes;
- provide a non-competitive forum for key industry and government stakeholders to network and share insight;
- engage in ongoing dialogue between peers and specialists via the NRA’s private Sustainability Committee Linkedin Group.
Contact Us
David Stout
Director Policy
National Retail Association
David is a highly-respected senior executive across a wide range of retail sectors including corporate affairs, operations, customer insights, finance, procurement, risk and regulation, stakeholder engagement, community and supply chain. He is favourably regarded as a bipartisan and ethical operative in best practice across retail and corporate industry, regional and urban councils, local and state governments, and is currently involved in multiple advisory groups / committees.
Email: d.stout@nra.net.au
Ebony Johnson
Project Manager, Policy
National Retail Association
As Project Manager in the Policy team, Ebony brings a strong background across the retail and hospitality sectors in project management, stakeholder relations, marketing, events and communications. Ebony provides project management expertise to multiple projects, including NRA’s bag ban programs, sustainability, product safety, retail crime and committees.
Email: e.johnson@nra.net.au