TruemorsJapan to launch carbon footprint labelling program
Labels breaking down the carbon emitted in production, packaging, transportation, and disposal will appear starting next spring on a wide range of Japanese consumer goods. Because the program is entirely voluntary -- Japan's biggest corporations have an incentive to take part because the market for eco-friendly products is becoming increasingly lucrative -- it may bridge the confounding gap between free-marketers and people who think the government should be the one to spearhead environmental reform. That's change you can believe in.
Officials decided to draw up a uniform method of labeling carbon emissions to allay fears among some firms that their competitors may use in-house calculations to produce the lowest possible emissions data.
"Unless all of the companies use the same method, there's little point to the exercise," Inamura said.
To promote the scheme, the ministry has released details of the carbon footprint left by a packet of crisps. A single bag emits 75 grams of carbon dioxide, 44% of which comes from growing potatoes, with another 30% emitted during the production stage. The packaging accounts for a further 15%, while the delivery and disposal of the bag account for 9% and 2%, respectively.
About 30 companies will display their labeled items at an eco-products fair in Tokyo in December, and the first batches are expected to appear in shops at the beginning of April 2009.
Sapporo, a leading Japanese brewery, has already said it will carry the labels on cans of its popular Black Label beer. Shoppers will be told how much CO2 is emitted by the machinery used to plant barley and hops, during production and transportation, and when the empty can is recycled.
Although the labeling scheme is voluntary, few firms want to be seen to be lagging behind rivals in the rush to corner the growing market in eco-friendly products. The supermarket firm Aeon, as well as the convenience store chains Lawson and Seven-Eleven and the electronics maker Matsushita are among the firms taking part.
August 20, 2008 at 12:28 pm by julianw, 1052 views, 26 comments
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (26)
at 14:09 on August 20th, 2008
julianw, I like this story. It's good stuff.
This is a great idea. All porducts should carry this information. The only way consumers can make good decision is with good information.
at 17:31 on August 20th, 2008
I agree -- it sounds like a simple, cheap, effective idea. If enough companies label their products, the market will pressure high carbon emitters to reform.
at 14:39 on August 20th, 2008
I wonder if people would even look at the label because I don't (unless i can win a prize).
at 15:30 on August 20th, 2008
Most people I know read the labels.
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.inFocusat 18:25 on August 20th, 2008
Interesting! :3
.inFocus has contributed a photo to this story.
at 18:32 on August 20th, 2008
So now we can have REAL bigfoot sightings !!!
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Sr. Baked Musselat 19:01 on August 20th, 2008
I like!
Sr. Baked Mussel has contributed a photo to this story.
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Ernani Rochaat 19:41 on August 20th, 2008
hi !!!
I taste to drink beers of some countries.
This photo was taken off in my room. I used two lights and a "bed clothes" to mount small set.
Ernani Rocha has contributed a photo to this story.
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JimHildrethat 20:13 on August 20th, 2008
This was the opening evening of a new Japanese Restaurant in downtown Sonora. I arrived 30 minutes before the doors opened and I was the 2nd in line. Armed with a camera and a love for Japanese food along with family members and others of the Sonora community it was a special one of a kind evening that I will treasure forever.
The following photo's were a gift to the restaurant owners and those who attended that special evening.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimhildreth/sets/72157603447144521/
Jim Hildreth Sonora, CA
JimHildreth has contributed a photo to this story.
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kamchrisat 20:36 on August 20th, 2008
Sapporo Explorer Malt Beer with seasoned squid. 開拓使麥酒アルトと味付いか.
kamchris has contributed a photo to this story.
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estiejat 01:41 on August 21st, 2008
it took me a few years to find out that most Japanese beers contain corn starch and rice malt. I doubt that information about carbon emission will be a major factor in choosing which beer to buy.
estiej has contributed a photo to this story.
at 02:31 on August 21st, 2008
taken at a sushi restaurant in manhattan in 2007.
vplus has contributed a photo to this story.
at 03:33 on August 21st, 2008
julianw, I like this story. It's good stuff.
I like the Idea! May wake up a few still sleeping!
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kang_a_jiat 04:17 on August 21st, 2008
Japan has always gone overboard with product packaging. For instance, a Japanese package of cookies is not only wrapped in plastic, but each and every cookie contained inside is individually wrapped too. It's a great waste. It's wonderful to see a high profile company, such as Sapporo Beer, taking a stand and making their labeling eco-friendly. I'm sure other companies will shortly follow suit.
kang_a_ji has contributed a photo to this story.
at 05:25 on August 21st, 2008
"SAPPORO CLASSIC" is the brand of beer can be seen only in Hokkaido.
This photo was taken at SAPPORO-BIER-GARTEN.
http://www.sapporo-bier-garten.jp/
inuro has contributed a photo to this story.
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nodocaat 06:12 on August 21st, 2008
Thank you :)
nodoca has contributed a photo to this story.
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DannyKimat 08:46 on August 21st, 2008
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abbyyocomat 11:00 on August 21st, 2008
Taken at Ichibon in Seabrook, TX. What can I say - I love beer!
abbyyocom has contributed a photo to this story.
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ohrobotdarlingat 13:09 on August 21st, 2008
ohrobotdarling has contributed a photo to this story.
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istoochaosticat 15:53 on August 21st, 2008
istoochaostic has contributed a photo to this story.
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aznintegra185at 17:11 on August 21st, 2008
Sounds like a great idea if only consumers actually stop and take a look at the label. Too often consumers quickly gaze over the desired item and go along with it. I know I do for the most part. Especially, if the product is something you always felt comfortable with and enjoy.
aznintegra185 has contributed a photo to this story.
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kynbitat 21:41 on August 22nd, 2008
This photo was taken in Sapporo beer garden.
When I drunk the beer, I and other members attended at beer lesson in our laboratory's English class.
This beer is one of my intersted drinks.
kynbit has contributed a photo to this story.
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thealice.photoat 04:09 on August 23rd, 2008
Japanese Beer "Sapporo"
i love it!
thealice.photo has contributed a photo to this story.
at 19:02 on August 25th, 2008
Sapporo beer is great anywhere. This photo was taken on a Caribbean Sea cruise and World Cup Cricket Tour
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Narendran Jayaramanat 08:25 on August 29th, 2008
Your seeing a refreshing can of SAPPORO PREMIUM beer...I shot this in my house with indoor lighting...I didnt have a beer mug, so used a wine glass instead with the sapporo beer...
Narendran Jayaraman has contributed a photo to this story.
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TeganAnnat 08:43 on September 6th, 2008
These are life size labels you can take a photo with at the Sapporo beer factory & museum in Sapporo Japan.
TeganAnn has contributed a photo to this story.