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Numerous Japanese firms have turned to paper to replace plastic as their government prepares to enforce a law to improve plastic recycling practices and reduce waste beginning in April.
Fishery firm Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd became the first company to use Nippon Paper Industries Co.'s water-resistant cardboard products to replace its Styrofoam containers in transporting ice-packed fresh fish.
The cardboard is coated with a chemical for repelling water and moisture that allows boxes to hold water for up to three weeks.
The switch from Styrofoam to paper products can cut the use of petroleum-derived raw materials by 96 percent.
While cardboard boxes are more expensive than the Styrofoam products, it is more compact and saves space during transportation, on top of being recyclable.
Oji F-Tex Co has developed transparent paper to help cut the use of plastic film. The wrapper is 51 percent made out of paper and can be disposed of by burning.
Meanwhile, Daio Paper Corp began selling stir sticks and miniature hangers made from layered pulp, which is thickened for durability.
