South Australia Plastic Ban Update: Cups & Lids for Hot Beverages

July 14, 2026

Single-use plastic regulations continue to impact hospitality venues across South Australia, particularly when it comes to takeaway coffee, tea and other hot beverages.

For cafés, coffee shops, restaurants, bakeries, takeaway venues and foodservice businesses, it is important to ensure the cups and lids being used for hot beverages meet current South Australian requirements.

What Has Changed?

In South Australia, non-compostable beverage cups, containers and lids used for takeaway or eat-in food and beverages made to order onsite for same-day consumption are currently banned. This includes plastic-lined paper cups and lids, as well as plastic lids used for hot beverages.

Items that are packaged offsite are not included in the ban.

What Can Be Used Instead?

To remain compliant, venues should look for approved alternatives that are certified compostable to Australian standards.

For hot beverages, BioPak lists approved solutions including:

✔ Aqueous Lined Cups	✔  PLA Lined Cups	✔ Plant Fibre Lids	✔ PLA Lids

Compostable items must be certified home or industrially compostable to Australian standards AS5810 or AS4736 and clearly marked as such.

Why This Matters for Hospitality Venues

For venues serving takeaway coffee and hot drinks, compliant packaging is now an important part of everyday operations.

Using the right cups and lids can help your business:

✔ Meet current South Australian requirements
✔ Reduce the risk of using non-compliant stock
✔ Support more responsible packaging choices
✔ Provide customers with suitable takeaway options
✔ Maintain smooth and consistent service

How Globe Importers Can Help

Globe Importers can assist South Australian hospitality venues with BioPak approved hot beverage solutions, including selected compostable cups and compatible lid options designed to support cafés, coffee shops and takeaway businesses through the transition.

Our team can help you review your current range and identify suitable alternatives for your venue.

Need Help Choosing the Right Cups & Lids?

Staying up to date with packaging requirements can be challenging, especially as regulations continue to evolve.

Speak to the Globe Importers team to ensure your hot beverage packaging range is suitable for your venue and location.

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