Explainer - The next phase of the government's single use plastics ban begins 1 July, and may change some of the ways you shop. RNZ is here with what you need to know.
Here are the changes as of 1 July:
The manufacture, sale or distribution of single-use plastic produce bags, plates, bowls, and cutlery will be banned.
Single-use plastic straws will be restricted. Some businesses or organisations will still be able to provide them to disabled people and those with health needs.
A transition to compostable plastic produce labels by 2025 will begin.
The regulations do not apply to produce labelled prior to 1 July 2023 and already in the supply chain.
The label adhesive (glue) is not required to be home compostable until 1 July 2025. Globally, label manufacturers are working to develop a home compostable adhesive. This is expected to be available by 2025.
Labels used on imported produce are not required to be home compostable until 1 July 2025. This will avoid the cost of delabelling produce and gives other countries time to move to home compostable labels.