H2COCO POPPERS PULLED FROM SHELVES OVER BANNED STRAWS
NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
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Woolworths Group and H2coco have been ordered to stop supplying two products after the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) found they were using banned plastic straws attached to poppers.
The EPA has issued Compliance Notices to both companies, requiring them to withdraw the following drinks from sale across NSW:
- H2coco Young Green Coconut Water 200ml
- H2coco Chocolate Flavoured Coconut Water 200ml
NSW EPA Executive Director of Operations Steve Beaman said the rules are clear – 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,” Mr Beaman said.
“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.
“These laws exist to cut down on unnecessary plastic waste and stop problematic materials from polluting our environment.”
Mr Beaman said the EPA has worked with both companies to avoid unnecessary food waste while ensuring that plastic straws are removed from circulation.
“It’s good news H2coco has already stopped manufacturing cartons with these straws and has switched to a paper alternative for future products,” he added.
“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.
“H2coco may also comply by modifying existing stock with compliant straw alternatives or donating to food relief charities or employees.”
The single-use straws are made from a type of bioplastic called polylactic acid (PLA). The poppers are sold exclusively in Woolworths supermarkets.
The Notices set clear deadlines for the products to be removed, with H2coco directed to stop supply by 7 June 2026 and Woolworths by 21 June 2026.
Failing to comply is a serious offence, carrying maximum penalties for wholesalers, manufacturers and distributors of up to $550,000, plus $55,000 for each additional day the offence continues.
Under NSW plastics regulation, single-use plastic straws have been banned since 2022. Integrated plastic items attached to packaged food and drinks, including plastic straws attached to juice boxes and poppers, were banned from 1 January 2025.
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