Goodbye Fish-Shaped Soy Sauce — South Australia Becomes the World's First to Ban "Mini Bottles": "Towards the Future of the Ocean" Over "Seconds of Convenience"

Goodbye Fish-Shaped Soy Sauce — South Australia Becomes the World's First to Ban "Mini Bottles": "Towards the Future of the Ocean" Over "Seconds of Convenience"

2025年09月02日 00:56

"Fish-Shaped Soy Sauce Bottles" Farewell——World's First Ban Takes Effect in South Australia

On September 1, 2025, in South Australia (SA), the provision of plastic "fish-shaped soy sauce bottles," a symbol of takeaway sushi, was officially banned. As part of the state's efforts to gradually reduce environmentally harmful disposable plastics, the state government included all rigid plastic containers with lids, caps, or stoppers under 30ml in capacity, citing their significant impact on marine debris and wildlife. The ban targets not only fish-shaped bottles but also small square bottles and similar containers.replacethewaste.sa.gov.au


What's Banned and What's Allowed

The following items are banned under the new regulation:

  • Pre-filled plastic soy sauce containers (fish-shaped, square-shaped, etc.) under 30ml, with lids, caps, or stoppers.replacethewaste.sa.gov.au

On the other hand, the following forms of provision are not subject to the ban:


  • Soy sauce sachets (small packets) and squeeze packs

  • Large bottles/dispensers for in-store or back-of-house use

  • Factory-filled containers for condiments other than soy sauce (non-regulated forms)replacethewaste.sa.gov.au


In other words, it does not mean that "all individual soy sauce packaging will be unusable." The expression reported by EURO WEEKLY NEWS that "individual packets are banned in Australia" is not accurate, as it is a state-level measure and sachets are allowed.Euro Weekly Newsreplacethewaste.sa.gov.au


Background: SA's Gradual Expansion of Plastic Regulations

Since 2021, South Australia has implemented a phased ban on disposable plastics such as straws, cutlery, polystyrene containers, pizza savers, plates, and bowls. In 2024, the ban expanded to barrier bags, beverage cups, plastic confetti, and more. By September 1, 2025, the following new measures took effect:

  • Fish-shaped soy sauce containers (as defined above)

  • Straws attached to beverages and plastic cutlery included with products (removal of exemption)

  • Removal of exemption for EPS (polystyrene) cups and bowls accompanying instant foods
    .replacethewaste.sa.gov.au


The state government emphasizes the structural problem of disposable plastics, stating "use for a few seconds, but lasts forever in the environment." The ban is primarily based on the fact that these small, rigid plastics are easily mistaken for food by wildlife due to their shape and size, and they are prone to escaping into waterways during collection and sorting processes.AP NewsABC


Why Target "Fish-Shaped"?

The "fish-shaped soy sauce bottle" spread with the globalization of sushi culture and has a history of being invented in Japan in the 1950s. However, these small, hard plastic containers are difficult to recycle with standard sorting equipment, and when they leak outdoors, there is a risk that wildlife may mistake them for food due to their appearance and size. AP News and Australia's ABC report that municipalities consider these containers particularly harmful to the environment.AP NewsABC


Not "All of Australia" but a Measure by South Australia Alone

This ban is implemented only in South Australia. Some headlines may suggest "banned in Australia," but it is not a nationwide ban at this point. However, there are ongoing movements in NSW (New South Wales) and Victoria to remove exemptions and strengthen regulations on disposable plastics, indicating a similar direction is spreading.replacethewaste.sa.gov.au


Confusion and Innovation on the Ground: The Reality of Replacement

From the first day of implementation, sushi shops and delis have been transitioning to glass dispensers, refillable bottles, and paper plates with tabletop bottles. However, there are mixed reviews about the usability of alternatives, with some new replacement containers being criticized on social media for being "hard to open" or "pouring out all at once."Yahoo! News


Sachets (small packets) are not subject to regulation, but issues like **"spattering"** and **"difficulty in adjusting"** have become topics of discussion again. Some appreciate the fish-shaped bottles for their **"ease of dripping."**Reddit


Reactions on Social Media:"Cute but time to move on," "Sachets are enough," "Actually, fish-shaped is easier to use"

Immediately after the enforcement, discussions became active on X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Facebook, and other platforms. Summarizing the main trends——

  • Supporters (Environmentally Focused): "Reducing small plastics that easily flow into the sea is reasonable," "Other states should follow," "Sachets and tabletop bottles are sufficient."Facebook

  • Practical Users (Convenience Focused): "Fish-shaped is easier to handle than sachets because it 'drips a little at a time,'" "Sachets are hard to aim."Reddit

  • Correction of Misunderstandings: "Sachets are OK," "It's a state-level measure, not a nationwide ban," were shared in communities, spreading understanding.Reddit

  • Trivia: Posts explaining details like "capacity under 30ml is targeted," "not only fish-shaped but also square bottles are included," were also seen.replacethewaste.sa.gov.au


On social media, emotional voices saying "it's a shame because they're cute" and practical arguments prioritizing resource circulation and marine litter measures are balanced. However, as the operation of **"sachets are temporarily OK"** is shared, a mood of accepting a realistic compromise is spreading.


Impact on Business: Minor Adjustments in Cost and Operations

In small stores, operational burdens such as cleaning and refilling tabletop bottles are increasing, but some say they can absorb these by reducing container costs and simplifying inventory. The state government, as with past regulations, is preparing business guides and consultation desks, aiming to reduce transition costs while aligning with similar measures in other states.replacethewaste.sa.gov.au


Frequently Misunderstood Points Q&A

Q1. Are fish-shaped bottles banned throughout Australia?
A. No. Only in South Australia. It is not a nationwide ban.AP News


Q2. Are all "individual packages" of soy sauce banned?
A. No. Sachets (small packets) and squeeze packs are allowed. The current target is **"small rigid plastic bottles with lids (under 30ml)."**replacethewaste.sa.gov.au


Q3. Is the focus only on fish-shaped bottles?
**A. No.** While fish-shaped bottles are symbolic, square bottles and other similar containers are also targeted.replacethewaste.sa.gov.au


Q4. What are the alternatives?
A. Refill bottles for tables, paper plates with large bottles, sachets, etc. Initial alternatives have also reported usability complaints.Yahoo! News


High Interest from International Media

Major international media such as AP, Australia's ABC, and Sky have all

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