Australia's Worst Packaging Award Goes to 'Franken-Can' Amid Plastic Crisis
Can you not? Plastic and metal ‘franken-can’ named Australia’s worst packaging at Unpackit awards
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
A hybrid plastic-metal drinking vessel known as the 'franken-can' has been named Australia's worst packaging at the inaugural Unpackit awards, highlighting the country's plastic pollution issues. The awards aim to promote better packaging practices, with the Udder Way's refillable milk kegs recognized as the best alternative.
- 01The 'franken-can' is problematic as it is not recyclable and contributes to litter.
- 02Almost 60% of litter collected in Australia consists of packaging materials.
- 03The Unpackit awards were announced by independent MPs in Canberra.
- 04Udder Way's refillable milk kegs have prevented the use of approximately 4.5 million single-use plastic milk bottles since 2021.
- 05Honourable mentions included Bearhug's reusable pallet wrap system and Cercle's reusable coffee cup initiative.
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The inaugural Unpackit awards have recognized a hybrid plastic-metal drinking vessel, dubbed the 'franken-can,' as Australia’s worst packaging. This can is problematic because it is not accepted by container refund schemes and is difficult to recycle, contributing significantly to litter. Cip Hamilton, plastics campaigns manager for the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS), criticized its use in cafes, stating it replaces reusable options and is likely to end up as waste. While the 'franken-can' has already been banned in Western Australia, Hamilton emphasized the need for national packaging laws. The awards also highlighted positive alternatives, with the Udder Way’s refillable milk kegs winning the best packaging award for averting the need for 4.5 million single-use plastic bottles since 2021. Other notable mentions included Bearhug's reusable pallet wrap system, which has saved 25 tonnes of soft plastics in a year, and Cercle’s cafe-based reusable coffee cup system. The Unpackit awards aim to encourage businesses to adopt more sustainable packaging practices.
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The recognition of the franken-can as problematic packaging raises awareness about plastic pollution in Australia and encourages businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
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