Woolworths has taken action to remove a banned item from its stores, with a whopping $550,000 fine on the line if the product is spotted on the shelves from today.
Popular coconut water brand H2coco sells 200ml cartons exclusively through Woolworths, but they were found to have plastic drinking straws attached to the sides of the box.
In NSW, single-use plastic straws on juice boxes and poppers were banned on January 1, 2025, aiming to reduce plastic waste and prevent problematic materials from polluting the environment.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) issued compliance notices to both Woolworths and H2coco, requiring them to withdraw the drinks from sale.
The affected items were:
H2coco Young Green Coconut Water 200ml
H2coco Chocolate Flavoured Coconut Water 200ml
The straws on the H2coco products will now be paper, instead of plastic.
(Yahoo News Australia)’No excuse’ for plastic straws remaining on shelves
A NSW EPA spokesperson told Yahoo News last month that 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.
“The EPA actively monitors compliance and will act when prohibited items are identified.”
H2coco had until June 7 to stop supplying plastic straws and switch to a paper alternative, while Woolworths was ordered to get rid of its current stock by Sunday, June 21.
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Failing to comply is a serious offence, carrying maximum penalties of up to $550,000 for wholesalers, manufacturers and distributors.
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. “
The H2coco 200ml Young Green coconut water and chocolate flavoured coconut water have had their straws replaced.
(Woolworths/NSW EPA)Excess stock ordered to be donated or returned
Any product that remained after June 21 was ordered to be donated to food rescue organisations, to stop it from going to landfill, the EPA said.
Alternatively, the stock could’ve been returned to H2coco, with proof provided to the EPA.
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.
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