About the Consultation 

State governments are stepping up efforts to eliminate problematic and unnecessary single-use plastics - including the labels used on fresh produce like fruit and vegetables. Both the NSW EPA and NRE Tasmania released consultation papers in late 2023 and early 2024 focused on strategies to phase out plastic stickers, reduce labelling waste, and improve harmonisation across jurisdictions. These efforts build on global trends toward compostable, traceable, and data-rich packaging and labelling - particularly in the fresh food sector. 

These reforms have direct implications for growers, packers, retailers and label providers, as well as broader national initiatives such as the Recycled Content Traceability Framework and future digital labelling mandates. 

Key Documents & Links 

• NSW Plastics: Next Steps [Consultation Paper – NSW EPA]

• Phasing out Problematic Single-Use Plastics [Discussion Paper – NRE Tasmania]

GS1 Australia Submissions 

GS1 Australia strongly supports harmonised, nationally consistent actions to phase out problematic plastic labels while preserving essential product identification and traceability functions. Our submissions to both the NSW and Tasmanian governments highlighted: 

✅ Enable a managed transition – The GS1 DataBar is already used by producers to identify loose produce such as apples and citrus. GS1 has verified that this can be printed on compostable labels meeting Australian standards (AS 4736 or AS 5810), avoiding disruptions to traceability, inventory management, and food recall processes. 

✅ Harmonise with industry infrastructure – Compostable label requirements should be developed in consultation with retailers, label manufacturers and growers to avoid fragmentation. National systems like the GS1-managed National Product Catalogue (NPC) can support harmonised packaging and labelling data sharing across jurisdictions. 

✅ Build transparency through data – GS1 urged regulators to align new rules with emerging frameworks such as the Recycled Content Traceability Framework and the EU Digital Product Passport. These rely on global, persistent identifiers (like GTINs) to manage packaging material data, support ESG claims, and reduce compliance burdens. 

✅ Coordinate change nationally – GS1 called on states to work with national peak bodies and supply chain standards organisations to avoid duplicative or inconsistent mandates. Fragmented regulation of plastic labels would risk increasing cost and confusion, particularly for national suppliers and exporters. 

GS1 Australia stands ready to support coordinated reform, build out implementation tools, and connect industry with compostable labelling alternatives that preserve the essential role of data in modern supply chains. 

📄 Download GS1 Australia’s full submissions (PDF) – [NSW EPA Submission]

📄 Download GS1 Australia’s full submissions (PDF) - [NRE Tasmania Submission]

📄 Plastic Ban Flyer