Two popular beverages will be pulled from Woolworths shelves across one state after they were found to include banned plastic straws.
H2coco has been ordered to stop supplying two coconut water products in NSW due to straws attached to the sides of the cartons, while Woolworths must remove them from sale.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) issued compliance notices to both companies, requiring them to withdraw the drinks from sale.
The affected items were:
H2coco Young Green Coconut Water 200ml
H2coco Chocolate Flavoured Coconut Water 200ml
Both items are exclusively sold at Woolworths, and are priced at $1.90 each. The Young Green coconut water is currently on sale for 30 per cent off.
The H2coco 200ml Young Green coconut water and chocolate flavoured coconut water are being removed from shelves.
(Woolworths/NSW EPA)Huge $550,000 penalties for flouting plastic straw rules
The NSW EPA said there were “no excuses for these items being sold”.
The laws against single-use plastic straws on juice boxes and poppers were introduced on January 1, 2025, and aim to reduce plastic waste and prevent problematic materials from polluting the environment.
Failing to comply is a serious offence, carrying maximum penalties of up to $550,000 for wholesalers, manufacturers and distributors.
A NSW EPA spokesperson told Yahoo News businesses have had plenty of time to adjust to the laws.
“We have consulted widely in the lead up to these reforms, giving businesses time to prepare for the changes,” the spokesperson said.
“These laws are designed to cut unnecessary plastic waste and keep harmful materials out of the environment.
“The EPA actively monitors compliance and will act when prohibited items are identified.”
H2coco has until June 7 to stop supply, while Woolworths has until June 21 to get rid of its current stock.
A $55,000 fine is added for each day the offence continues.
NSW EPA Executive Director of Operations Steve Beaman said the rules couldn’t be any clearer: “Plastic straws attached to beverages are prohibited in NSW”.
“If they’re stuck to a popper or juice box, it’s against the law in NSW — even if it’s marketed as biodegradable or compostable,” Beaman said in a statement.
“We’ve been communicating to businesses for a long time regarding these changes, so there’s no excuse for prohibited items still ending up on supermarket shelves. “
What will happen with the remaining H2coco stock?
Beaman said H2coco has already stopped manufacturing cartons with plastic straws, and has switched to a paper alternative for their future products.
“Remaining stock from Woolworths must be donated to food rescue organisations to reduce waste going to landfill, or returned to H2coco with evidence provided to the EPA,” he said.
“H2coco may also comply by modifying existing stock with compliant straw alternatives or donating to food relief charities or employees.”
A Woolworths spokesperson said they commenced an immediate review once the straws were brought to their attention.
“As soon as we were made aware these products did not meet NSW single-use plastic regulatory requirements we commenced a review,” the spokesperson told Yahoo News.
“We are working closely with the NSW EPA and the supplier to update the product’s packaging so it is compliant. All existing stock will be withdrawn from sale by 21 June.”
Single-use plastic, made from a type of bioplastic called polylactic acid, has been banned in NSW since 2022.
Yahoo News has also contacted H2coco for comment.
Anyone who spots plastic straws or any breaches of the single-use plastic ban in NSW can make a report with EPA here.
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