A smart bin that is set to revolutionise the use of reusables has been recognised in the 2026 Australian Good Design Awards.

The Smart Bin, Borrow by Huskee was recognised for excellence in design, innovation, and impact in the Product Design – Commercial and Industrial category.

Designed in Australia by Huskee, a BioPak brand, in collaboration with Fossick Studio, Particle Design Studio, Tom Kulaga and Simon Kobler, Smart Bin, Borrow was developed to address one of the biggest challenges facing reusable packaging systems: getting the reusable products back into circulation.

Rather than serving as a conventional waste bin, the Smart Bin is an IoT-enabled return point designed to make returning reusable cups and containers simple and convenient.

The system combines QR-enabled access, a gravity driven mechanical system, modular architecture and dual power capability to support reuse across a range of environments.

Huskee co-founder and chief sustainability officer at BioPak Group Saxon Wright said making reuse work at scale requires convenience to be designed into the experience.

“Making reuse work at scale is about much more than designing a great reusable product. We need to make the return journey just as easy, intuitive and convenient as picking up the product in the first place,” Mr Wright said.

“That’s what we set out to achieve with the Borrow Smart Bin. By combining thoughtful industrial design with technology and a simple return experience, we’re removing friction from the reuse system and making it easier for people to do the right thing.

“Being recognised by the Australian Good Design Awards is a great endorsement of the thinking behind the system, and importantly, its real-world impact. We’re proud to see a project designed to help move reuse forward, recognised for both its innovation and its practical application.”

The Australian Good Design Awards Jury recognised the project as an example of design thinking applied at a systems level, noting its ability to address convenience as a key barrier to reuse adoption.

“The Jury recognises the Borrow Bin as an exceptional example of design thinking applied at a systems level, transforming a passive waste receptacle into intelligent, IoT-enabled return infrastructure that addresses one of the most persistent barriers to reuse adoption: convenience.”

BioPak chief executive officer Guy Brent commented on the significance of the award for the BioPak Group and the company’s mission toward circular solutions.

“Reuse plays a critical part in our BioPak portfolio, one where we are continuing to take responsibility and champion end-of-life solutions for our customers,” he said.

“What this award recognises is not only our leading edge in packaging design but also the importance of making sustainability practical, putting people at the heart of the packaging we use daily. We’re eager to see growing adoption across the country.”