There’s a four-metre high poo on Bondi beach today (World Environment Day). The installation created by Special New Zealand, Special PR and The Glue Society for Better Packaging Co., represents the amount of shit dumped in the world’s oceans every 30 seconds. It aims to create global awareness to encourage businesses to make a greater commitment to sustainable practices and choices, such as Better Packaging Co.’s POLLAST!C packaging range.
A new report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) found that global plastic pollution could be slashed by 80% by 2040 via a series of practical and affordable changes, such as the increased reuse of plastics. The report estimated that this action alone could reduce 30% of plastic pollution in the same timeframe. To combat the global pollution crisis, Better Packaging Co. launched a new range of POLLAST!C poly mailers, garment bags, reusable carry bags, pallet wrap and more. The products are made from between 80% and 100% recycled plastic pollution retrieved in Southeast Asia.
Stu Mallarkey, executive creative director at Special, stated, “We had to find a really disruptive, provocative way to highlight the issue – and landed on a giant poop emoji filled to the brim with the sheer amount of crap that ends up in our oceans every 30 seconds, which is quite frankly f**king disgusting.”
Kelly Grindle, general manager at Special PR, added. “This story has it all – robust messaging and research, underpinned by some jaw-dropping visuals. We’ve worked hard to ensure this resonates in Australia, New Zealand and around the globe and have prepared a mix of owned, earned and paid distribution to give this the attention it deserves. It’s probably the only time the industry can say ‘that’s just another sh*t stunt from Special.’”
Says Kate Bezar, co-founder, Better Packaging Co., commented, “POLLAST!C is proof that we can find ways to fix this environmental challenge. There is enough plastic in the world – the problem is that it doesn’t get collected or recycled, so it eventually ends up in our oceans because it has no perceived value. We’re so lucky to have partnered with Special to raise awareness and encourage global sustainability business practices. This is an issue worth shouting about, even if that means we have to create a four-metre high plastic poo to get the attention it deserves.”
Credits:
Creative Agency: Special New Zealand
Executive Creative Director: Stu Mallarkey
Producer: Millie Costley-Deakin
Account Management: Courtney Spillane
PR Agency: Special PR
General Manager: Kelly Grindle
Australian Publicist: Liz Hunt
New Zealand Publicist: Amanda Vela
Production Company: Revolver
Art & Directing Collective: The Glue Society
Direction & Artist: Alice Cogin
Managing Director & Co-Owner: Michael Ritchie
Executive Producer & Partner: Pip Smart
Executive Producer: Jasmin Helliar
Producer: Melanie Booth
Production Manager: Claire Salter
Cinematographer & Photographer: Jordan Maddocks
Model Makers: Yippee Ki-Yay
Post Production Company: The Glue Society Studios
Editors: Luke Crethar & Kelly Searancke
Colourist: Scott Maclean
Sound: Liquid Studios
