The nation’s (Japan) toymakers are increasingly reducing plastic waste amid heightened public interest in environmentally friendly goods. The trend to reduce the use of plastic materials and to recycle used plastic coincides with the recent mandate for retailers in the country to charge for plastic bags. Another aim is to nurture a sense of awareness about the environment among children.
Tomy Co., better known as Takara Tomy, designated some 200 of its toys that cleared internal standards for resource-saving and other environmentally friendly practices as “eco-toys,” with four of them made of recycled plastic. The company hopes to create products that are good for the environment, overcoming obstacles such as achieving stable supplies of materials. It also conducts frequent visits to elementary schools to teach children about reducing the burden on the environment. “We hope that (children) become aware of the environment through toys,” a company representative said.
The range of toys made of wood and cloth, which are popular in Europe, has increased alongside a rise in interest in issues related to plastic waste. The company said that it is seeing a change in Japanese consumers’ awareness, with many customers opting for such products.
Source: Japan Times
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