Is simpler packaging the way to a less plastic-driven Japan?

Several years ago, we had a sustainability-themed blog series here on City-Cost, and I remember really enjoying reading those posts. Plastic and excess packaging are hard to avoid here sometimes, but a new survey from MyVoiceCom looked at how people here feel about disposable plastics, and what changes they'd be willing to accept.

One thing I notice a lot here is plastic trays inside plastic wrappers. Great for presentation, not great for the planet.

The survey of more than 11,000 people found that over 60% are interested in environmental issues, but at the same time, disposable plastic remains a very normal part of everyday life. More than 70% regularly use or receive PET bottles and food trays, while 67.2% use plastic containers or bags.

Despite that, many people are already making changes. Almost 70% said they use reusable bags, 59.3% avoid paying for plastic shopping bags, and 47% buy refill products.

One thing I found interesting was what people said they'd accept as plastic becomes more expensive and raw materials become harder to obtain. The most popular response at 63.5% was making containers and packaging more basic. Another 51.4% were happy with simpler designs, colors, and printing (the changes to Calbee's chip packets are a good recent example!)

More basic packaging is one way companies are dealing with raw material shortages.

More than 40% also supported an increase in refill products or switching packaging materials to alternatives such as paper or plant-derived materials.