The new NSW Plastics Plan 2.0 marks a significant step in the journey towards a circular economy in New South Wales. Released in late 2025, the plan targets the phase-out of unnecessary and hard-to-recycle plastics, introduces design-for-recyclability obligations, and establishes Australia’s first “green” and “red” chemical lists for plastics.
For Wanless, this presents both a responsibility and opportunity: a responsibility to adapt our operations and supply chain, and an opportunity to lead in sustainable waste and recycling services.
Transitioning our operations and services
The plan commits to phasing out items such as bread tags and pizza-savers from 2027, non-compostable fruit and vegetable stickers by 2030, and redesigning single-use food and beverage containers for recyclability by 2028-2030.
At Wanless we are reviewing our own collection and processing streams to ensure they can support these changes. That means building internal capability to handle a broader range of plastics, working with our clients on packaging substitution, and upgrading our sorting and recycling workflows to ensure plastics collected today remain a viable feedstock for future reuse and recycling markets.
Working with our clients and partners
Our role as a service provider means we’re well-positioned to support business customers, councils and other stakeholders in responding to the Plastics Plan. We’re engaging with clients to help them understand upcoming regulatory requirements, assist in audit and transition planning of their packaging and waste streams, and implement practical solutions – from improved segregation of recyclable plastics to identifying opportunities for reuse or diversion of problematic items. As the plan enters its regulatory phase (with regulations expected from 2026 onward), our aim is to ensure that our clients are ahead of the curve rather than being caught by surprise.
Investing in infrastructure and capability
The roadmap set out in the plan emphasises the need for investment in recycling infrastructure and systems to support reuse and circularity.
Wanless is committing to this shift – upgrading our sorting and processing facilities, improving logistics for plastics streams, and actively seeking partnerships with specialised plastic recyclers. This investment enables us to move beyond traditional disposal services to become a core partner in circular supply chains.
Maintaining high standards and advocating best practice
Beyond compliance, the plan’s introduction of chemical-lists for plastics (green vs red) means manufacturers, brand owners and waste service providers alike will face increased scrutiny over additives, contamination and recyclability design.
Wanless is strengthening its internal auditing of incoming loads, enhancing documentation and certification of recycled feeds, and collaborating with brand-owners and manufacturers to help ensure that what we collect is truly fit for circular reuse. In doing so we help protect end markets and maintain the economic value of recycled plastic streams.
What it means for you (our clients and partners)
For businesses in NSW, the plan signals that the status-quo of “standard plastic disposal” is changing. Whether you are in food service, packaging supply, retail or manufacturing, you will increasingly encounter:
- requirements to use packaging designed for recyclability or reuse
- restrictions on problematic plastics (eg bread tags, pizza savers, small condiment containers)
- the need to work with waste service providers who can verify recycled-feed quality and support circular value capture
Wanless is ready and equipped to support your transition. We can help you assess your plastic-waste streams, identify risk materials, and implement collection, recycling or reuse strategies tailored to your operations in NSW.
Speak with our friendly team today to explore how Wanless can support your plastic-waste strategy under the NSW Plastics Plan 2.0 – call us on (1300) 926 537 or contact us online.