Media release - Senator David Van strongly supports plastic phase-out efforts

Senator for Victoria, David Van, has used a speech in the Senate to call for Australia to become a global leader in the phasing-out of single use plastics such as plastic bags, foam cups and plastic bottles.

Senator Van noted that some solutions already existed, with the use of aluminium and glass being better options than plastic.

“Aluminium is 100 per cent recyclable and uses only 5 per cent of the energy used to create new aluminium.”

Senator Van also spoke about the shift already underway in Australia around the use of single use plastics.

“Many of us bring reusable bags to carry our groceries these days or, begrudgingly, when we forget, purchase another biodegradable bag at inflated prices.”

Senator Van praised the efforts of the Morrison Government in addressing this challenge.

“I applaud the Prime Minister for his bold commitment of over $160 million in recycling investment and research funds, and for putting pressure on the states to clean up their act when dealing with recyclable waste.”

Senator Van also applauded the role of private industry in developing solutions before a policy approach was developed.

“Victorian companies like KeepCup and RETURNR have effectively developed ways to replace single use plastics in the take-away food industry with a reusable solution.”

Additionally, Senator Van called for further promotion of reusable products.

“If products can reasonably be replaced by current alternatives, we should promote and incentivise the phasing-out of single use plastics.”

“Where this is not immediately possible, mandatory stewardship partnerships should actively drive innovative solutions to the effective disposal of waste, whereby producers are working hand-in-hand with business to recycle the leftovers of these pollutants after the consumer has used them.”