Wagga businesses say plans to eliminate single-use plastic in NSW will be a tough adjustment, but have ultimately welcomed the change.
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On Sunday, Premier Gladys Berejikilian announced a staggered plastic reduction proposal that would see single-use plastics eliminated over five years.
In the plan's first six months, lightweight plastic bags will be phased out then banned entirely.
Within 12 months, disposable plastic utensils, polystyrene food packaging, plastic-stick cotton buds and microbeads in washes and cosmetics will also be axed.
Many Wagga businesses agreed that for takeaway-focused business, moving away from lightweight plastic bags will pose some unique challenges.
Indian Rasoi's Jaspal Rawat said the ban was important, but would be particularly tricky for his restaurant.
"I think it will be difficult not only for us but most people who provide takeaway," Mr Rawat said. "It will definitely have an impact on business, we use a lot of plastic containers and plastic bags."
He said when transporting food it is important to have a material that is durable and water resistant, saying in order to adjust to the full ban customers would eventually need to bring their own bags and pick up in person.
"It will be ok over five years," he said. "We'll go with reusable bags then customers will get used to bringing their own bags."
Industry 33's Kosta Papaioanou said the change was "a positive" but agreed it would be challenging for takeaway joints.
"It's going to challenge a lot of businesses and add extra cost until plastic-free options become a bit more affordable," he said.
"All of our takeaway is polystyrene so we're going to have to rethink it."
He added the ban presented a good opportunity for businesses to review their production lines and rethink their approach.
Not all businesses were concerned, however.
New Oceanic Takeaway's John Spannos said his business is already largely plastic-free and didn't see the ban as a big change.
"For us it's just disposable plastic bags that we're still using at the moment," he said.
Mr Spannos predicted that for most businesses, the transition would be mainly smooth as plastic-free items become easier to source.
"Plastic is already being reduced," he said. "If you look at the suppliers the products are already out there."
NSW will invest $356 million into the project over five years, and a $10 million Circular Materials Fund has been promised to help manufacturers and producers make the switch.
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