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Worst Packaging: 'Franken-Can' Declared Plastic Villain
2 Jun
Summary
- Hybrid cans are hard to recycle and not accepted by refund schemes.
- The 'franken-can' won the inaugural Unpackit award for worst packaging.
- Refillable milk kegs were recognized as the best packaging solution.
The 'franken-can,' a hybrid plastic and metal drinking vessel, has been recognized as Australia's worst packaging by the inaugural Unpackit awards. Established by the Australian Marine Conservation Society, Plastic Free Foundation, and WWF-Australia, these awards highlight the nation's substantial plastic packaging use. Campaigners describe the 'franken-can' as entirely unnecessary, noting its problematic nature for recycling and its exclusion from container refund schemes, unlike other beverage containers. Western Australia has already banned these cans, though a national approach is urged.
Further highlighting effective solutions, Udder Way's 18-liter refillable milk kegs received the award for best packaging. This system, inspired by beer kegs, has reportedly eliminated the need for an estimated 4.5 million single-use plastic milk bottles since 2021. Other innovative and sustainable packaging solutions, such as Bearhug's reusable pallet wrap and Cercle's reusable coffee cup system, also received honorable mentions for their contributions to reducing plastic pollution.
