Industry and consumer attitudes towards produce stickers – Findings report (2025)

South Australia’s planned ban on non-compostable produce stickers, originally scheduled to come in to effect in September 2025, has been paused. Further research into consumer attitudes and behaviours was undertaken to inform policy and provide further insights into both public expectations and practical industry constraints.

Square Holes was commissioned by GISA to conduct this exploratory research to better understand public attitudes towards produce stickers to inform future decision making around the implementation of the ban on plastic produce stickers.

The research shows that while produce stickers support branding, traceability and checkout efficiency, most consumers see them as wasteful and environmentally harmful. Shoppers favour removal or compostable alternatives. Growers and industry, while overall supportive and already investing in research and development to reduce reliance on non-compostable stickers, emphasise the need for more time to find viable solutions and align with a nationally consistent transition.