In a time when countless forms of content are vying for our attention online, humour is a powerful tool for cutting through the noise. Whether it’s GIFs, memes, or reels, well executed comedy is able to make us think right after it’s made us laugh. Enter Plastic Corp., the latest awareness video from Beyond the Box, which uses stop-motion animation and sharp humour to spark conversations about sustainability.
Released just in time for the festive season, Plastic Corp. introduces us to a gang of delightfully villainous action figures, who gather in a corporate boardroom on the top floor of their ominous skyscraper to sing plastic’s praises while gleefully mocking cardboard for being… well, environmentally friendly.
What they don’t realise, of course, is that the very qualities they’re ridiculing (recyclability, renewability, biodegradability) are what make cardboard the hero of sustainable packaging.
Despite taking cues from adult comedies such as Rick & Morty and Robot Chicken, the clip’s witty dialogue and animation style are intended for both grown-ups and children. By weaving humour into a serious topic, Plastic Corp. offers families a light-hearted way to engage with important questions around plastic waste and its impact on the environment.
The subject at its core is no laughing matter. At one point, the clip includes a shot of a heavily littered beach – a sobering reminder of the stark reality of plastic pollution. Studies show that much of this waste comes from single-use food and drink packaging, highlighting the urgent need for more sustainable alternatives like cardboard.
Plastic Corp. is a timely reminder of how comedy can transform serious issues into shareable content. Dry statistics and corporate statements often fail to make a lasting impression with wider audiences – but a funny, well-executed video has the potential to spread important messages to a large captive audience scrolling through content on their social feeds. The video encourages us all to reflect on the choices we make – not with a wagging finger, but with a knowing smile.
So, next time you’re unwrapping your online shopping or festive season gifts, consider what your packaging says about your impact on the planet. And maybe let cardboard be the hero of your sustainability story.