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QLD Plastic Ban Information

From 1 September 2023,businesses in Queensland are no longer able to supply:


Plastic shopping bags which do not meet new requirements	Expanded polystyrene loose-fill packaging	Cotton buds with plastic stems	Plastic microbeads

*The release of a lighter-than-air balloon will also be banned.

WHAT IS BANNED?		WHO DOES IT APPLY TO?		HOW IS IT ENFORCED?
Some single-use plastic items have already been phased out in QLD. From 1 July 2018, lightweight plastic shopping bags with handles and a thickness under 35 microns, including those made from compostable or biodegradable plastic, were banned. From 1 September 2021, singleuse plastic straws, cutlery, stirrers, unenclosed bowls, plates, expanded polystyrene (EPS) takeaway food containers and EPS cups were banned. From 1 September 2023, plastic shopping bags which do not meet new requirements, EPS loose-fill packaging, cotton buds with plastic stems, plastic microbeads and release of a lighterthan-air balloon will be banned.		All organisations must stop supplying banned items in Queensland. Types of organisations include: • Retailers and service businesses (such as food outlets, supermarkets, markets, pharmacies, events, and online stores) • Manufacturers and suppliers (such as packaging suppliers, product brands and online marketplaces) • Not-for-profit and government organisations (such as community groups, charities, schools and other non-commercial organisations) Balloon release restrictions will apply to all individuals. Exemptions under previous bans do not apply to the 2023 ban.		From 1 September 2023, banned items cannot be sold, supplied or provided free of charge, even if they were purchased before this date. From 1 September 2023, a business may face a maximum fine of 50 penalty units for: • supplying a banned single-use plastic item; • providing false or misleading information about a banned plastic item. The Queensland Government will pursue an education-first approach to support businesses to comply, however penalties may apply.

QLD'S FIVE YEAR ROAD MAP FOR ACTION ON SINGLE USE PLASTICS

DOWNLOAD PDF HERE

Plastic shopping bags are defined as bags with handles, that are used to carry goods from a business or organisation. The ban does not apply to bags without handles used for produce, waste bags, nappy bags, or other types of sealed packaging such as bread bags. The new requirements do not apply to bags made of synthetic fabrics or other materials.

EXISTING REQUIREMENTS	+	NEW REQUIREMENTS
Lightweight plastic shopping bags were banned in QLD in 2018. Any plastic shopping bag must be 35 microns or more in thickness to meet the existing law.	+	From 1 September 2023, shopping bags made from plastic film will need to meet TWO additional requirements to be supplied in QLD.

ALTERNATIVES TO PLASTIC BAGS

If you do need to supply shopping bags, consider what type of bag is the most sustainable option for your business based on your product type and size, and if customers are likely to reuse the bag.

• DISPOSABLE: If you supply takeaway food or drink, the bag is likely to be contaminated during use and it is unlikely to be reused long-term, so the best option may be sustainably-sourced paper. Try the Chef Link 'Uber' Bags, Self Opening Satchel Bags or Twist Handled Retail Bags.

• REUSABLE: If you supply fashion, electronics, grocery items or other goods, the best option may be charging for a welldesigned durable bag made from fabric, jute or plastic that meets the new requirements.

COMPOSTABLE PLASTICS

Alternatives made from compostable, biodegradable, degradable, renewable, or bio-based plastics are not allowed as replacements for items in the 2023 ban. This includes plastic items with composting certifications. Certified compostable plastic shopping bags are allowed if they pass the existing thickness and reusability tests, but do not need to contain 80% recycled content if they are completely made from certified compostable plastic film. Compostable plastic items can still harm wildlife and the environment in the same way conventional plastic items do if they are littered. Most compostable plastics require extended periods of time or processing at a special composting facility in order to break down. When ordering alternatives, ask your supplier to confirm in writing that the items do not contain any form of plastic polymer, including compostable plastic or bioplastic. Logos, labelling or product claims are not proof of compliance.

CHEF LINK WILL NOT SELL ANY ITEM THAT IS BANNED

*Please Note: Whilst Chef Link will try our best to supply only eco-friendly non-banned options, our product infromation comes from our suppliers, therefore Chef Link can not be held accountable if they have been supplied with any false or misleading information.

The following items are already banned in Queensland.


Single-use plastic straws & stirrers	Single-use plastic cutlery	Single-use plastic bowls & plates	Expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers & cups

*Some exemptions apply See 2021 information below

FREE INFORMATION SESSIONS

Free information sessions are being held online from June 2023.

These sessions are designed for all businesses (of any size or type) to receive an overview of the ban, ask questions, receive practical advice, and hear what other businesses are doing.

REGISTER FOR A FREE INFO SESSION

BANNED SINCE 2021

The supply of single-use plastic straws, stirrers, plates, bowls, cutlery and expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers and cups is banned in Queensland. The ban came into effect on 1 September 2021.

The ban is part of Queensland’s plan to tackle plastic pollution and follows strong support from the community, retailers and industry organisations.

Chef Link does NOT sell any of the banned items

you can be assured you will not be using banned products when you shop with us ♥

Watch this video to learn more about the ban.

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View and Print the Plastic Band Fact Sheet

Plastic Ban Fact Sheet

View the Full Act:

Waste Reduction and Recycling (Plastic Items) Amendment Act 2021

This is the Act as passed by Parliament (accessed 1 October 2021 at 13:09)

Banned Items	Non-Banned Alternatives
Plastic straws	Paper Straws
Plastic stirrers	*Wood and Approved PLA Stirreres**
Plastic cutlery including chopsticks	*Wooden and Appproved PLA Cutlery**
Plastic plates and bowls	Paper, Palm leaf, Sugarcane and Plant fibre Plates and Bowls (please note: a bowl is not banned if it has a lid! This includes Sunbowls for ramen)
*Foam cups	Paper, PET and Approved PLA Cups
*Foam Containers	PET, PLA, Bamboo and Kraft Containers Or Paper Wrap and Paper Bags
*Foam Clams	Compostable Sugarcane and Kraft Clamshells Or Paper Wrap and Paper Bags

EXEMPTIONS: Hospitals, Medical Facilites, Aged care and disability sectors are exempt from the ban. As are straws attached to juice boxes, forks included in pre-packed salads, spoons attached to yoghurt containers, and plates forming part of a frozen meal.

*Foam = made in whole or part of expanded polystyrene EPS

*Approved PLA= Must have either of the Australian standard compostable certificates (see image)

Australian standard compostable certificate badges

Our Aim ...

Our mission is Your Success. By providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service to the hospitality industry and helping our customers create welcoming and comfortable environments for their guests.

Our Story ...

Cameron & Mandy Ross

Owners

The Chef Link Story. Chef Link is a leading Australian supplier of restaurant catering equipment and hospitality supplies to the food service and accommodation industries. Supplying items such as food packaging, cooking supplies and cleaning supplies. A family run business for over 25 years; Chef Link constantly strives to provide a comprehensive range backed with excellent service, fast and efficient fulfillment and above all, value for money. It's an approach that has led over 5000 customers to choose Chef Link as their preferred supplier. Beginning with their first store on Sheridan street Cairns City in 2000, Cameron & Mandy Ross have grown Chef Link to become one of the most comprehensive hospitality partners in Australia. Chef Link now fills 3 large warehouses on the Cairns City fringe, the first warehouse encompassing our offices and packaging supplies, the second is home to our large Chef Link Shop and the third is our equipment showroom, customers are welcome to visit us any time at 1-3/5 Plath Close Portsmith.Our customer service staff are all ex hospitality or accommodation professionals, each having worked in these industries as either accomplished chefs, front of house & bar management, as a cafe and fast food outlet owner, in the food service industry or as hotel & Airbnb management. This wealth of knowledge and experience helps us find you the product that will suit your individual needs best. If you are not sure exactly what you need to achieve your goal come in and speak to the team. We have plenty of ideas and tips we can share. We are passionate about giving our customers the best experience and service. This is why we reward our customers' loyalty by offering Chef Link Dollars every time you shop online. This incentive allows our customers to either save their Chef Link Dollars for something special or to use small amounts each time they order. We also offer our customers to buy in bulk and industry specific specials. Becoming a member of The Chef Club is the best way to save on your orders, as you will be sent exclusive monthly specials. Visit us in store, shop online or give us a call and let us help you find what you are looking for.

We are based in Tropical North Queensland in the great city of Cairns. We are open 6 days a week for in store purchases.

Address

2/5 Plath Close, Cairns Qld 4870

Get Directions

Business Hours

Monday - Friday

8.30am - 4.30pm

Saturday

9.00am - 12 Noon

Sunday

Closed

Contact Us

0408881329

sales@cheflink.com.au

cheflink.au

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Your Success, Our MissionPartnering with hospitality professionals to deliver culinary excellence.