When you think of Australia leading the way in sustainability, South Australia is often front and centre. And now, they’ve done it again. From September 1, South Australia will officially become the first state in the country to ban those tiny plastic soy sauce fish containers. Yes, the ones that seem harmless when you’re dunking sushi, but stick around in our environment for centuries.

This ban isn’t just about soy sauce. It’s about tackling some of the smallest yet most pervasive single-use plastics in our daily lives, and it’s a move that could inspire the rest of the nation.

Why Ban the Soy Sauce Fish?

They may look cute and convenient, but these little plastic fish have a big impact. Used for mere seconds, they can linger in the environment for decades or even centuries. Because of their size, they’re easily dropped, blown into drains, or washed into waterways, making them a common find on beaches and streets. Marine scientist Dr Nina Wootton from the University of Adelaide confirmed she regularly finds them washed up on shores, often completely intact.

The problem doesn’t end there. These packets are too small for kerbside recycling facilities, meaning they usually head straight to landfill and break down into harmful microplastics. All that for a single splash of soy sauce, it’s no wonder South Australia has decided enough is enough.

A Nation-Leading Move

South Australia has a history of being first when it comes to sustainability. Back in 2021, the state introduced laws banning single-use straws, cutlery and stirrers. In the years since, they’ve added polystyrene containers, plastic cotton buds, coffee cups, bread tags, confetti and balloon sticks.

And it’s working. Since these bans began, over eight million single-use plastic items have been removed from circulation in South Australia. That’s a huge win for the planet and proof that small changes at scale can make a big difference.

What Else is Changing?

From September 1, soy sauce fish containers won’t be the only items phased out. Straws and cutlery attached to pre-packaged foods, non-compostable fruit stickers and pre-packaged cups and bowls containing meals are also on the chopping block. 

Deputy Premier Susan Close called soy sauce containers “convenience packaging” that can easily be replaced by more sustainable options. Restaurants and businesses across the state have already started embracing compostable or reusable alternatives, proving that eco-friendly swaps are possible without sacrificing convenience. We’d love to see legends like Notpla step in with one of their clever seaweed-based solutions, how good would that be? You can learn more about their innovative packaging here.

Will Other States Follow?

South Australia might be the first to ban soy sauce fish, but it’s unlikely to be the last. New South Wales is considering phasing out plastic sauce packets by 2030, while Tasmania is looking at similar legislation. Western Australia is also tightening restrictions, banning non-compostable produce bags, while Queensland has ruled out additional bans for now.

On a global scale, Australia is among 175 countries negotiating a treaty to end plastic pollution by 2040. With plastic production expected to triple by 2060, these conversations are critical to protecting oceans and future generations.

A Step Towards a Cleaner Future

Change isn’t always easy. As Dr Wootton noted, even those who are conscious about plastic use often find it hard to avoid soy sauce packets in sushi shops. That’s why bans like these matter. Sometimes the best way forward is when the choice is taken out of our hands, leaving businesses and consumers with only the sustainable option.

South Australia’s decision may sound small, just a few drops of soy sauce, right? But in reality, it’s symbolic of something much bigger. It’s a reminder that no piece of plastic is too small to make a difference, and no action is too small to matter.

So here’s to soy sauce on your sushi without the plastic sidekick, and a future where the only thing we leave behind at the beach is our footprints.

Thanks for tuning in again this week, GFZ's. For more Earth-loving stories, you can pick from so many others here!

Lots of love, Ellie xxx