The incredible practical packaging of Japan

Japan thinks a lot about the consumer, and a great proof of this is in the milk cartons and other similar Japanese products. Starting with the shape and other details that show the practicality of Japanese products.

In this article, we will talk a little about Japanese packaging, how practical they are and how they help visually impaired people, as well as a little about the countless variety of packaging that circulates in the country.

The Japanese seem to have no qualms about spending on product packaging. They simply throw papers and plastics onto the products. To make reading this article easier, we will leave a summary below:

The incredible Japanese packaging

The first example of how Japan values consumers is in the packaging of cookies, chocolates, and other processed foods. Companies spend more on plastics to store small quantities of a certain product instead of just having one package.

In other words, you buy a package of cookies, and instead of having 20 cookies in one package, inside the package you find 5 small packages with 4 cookies in each. Allowing you to carry less food and preventing it from losing its original flavor by being fully exposed.

Some end up getting annoyed with this because they eat too much and need to open several packages instead of just one. Still, it is very practical to be able to buy a package of cookies without having to worry about it being exposed and losing its crunchiness.

When a package does not divide its contents into several, it usually has a vacuum seal for you to close the package and prevent its contents from losing their original essence.

Even chewing gum and candies are wrapped in a thick, hard paper that resembles aluminum; its purpose is that after chewing, the person puts the gum inside this paper instead of throwing it directly in the trash.

Paper Packs – The incredible juice and milk packaging

The famous Paper Packs are paper packaging similar to the milk and juice cartons we have in Brazil, but they have some exclusivities that increase their practicality by 100% in addition to being easy to fold for recycling.

The video from Japan Our Daily Life below shows this practicality very well, how these packages are, and how to recycle them. I hope you enjoy the video and that it shows how practical Japanese packaging is:

Embedded video (YouTube)

Tetrapak and paperpack packaging are usually easy to open, and some even have an opening like bottles with caps. You don’t have to make holes or cut from both sides; it has an easy way to close and open.

These Japanese paper boxes are usually used for juices, milk, yogurts, flavored milks, and other dairy products. They are even available in small sizes, and some offer the practical option of inserting a straw.

The small cut in milk cartons

Japanese milk cartons have a small arc-shaped cut. Have you ever wondered what this small cut is for? This gap has a secret that shows how much the Japanese think about consumers.

This small arc serves only for visually impaired people to distinguish pure milk from other beverages that use similar packaging. By using touch, visually impaired individuals can easily distinguish pure milk from other drinks, in addition to knowing the correct position to open the milk carton.

It is amazing how the small number of physically disabled people in the country are well treated. Who doesn’t remember the traffic signs that play little tunes or the extensive strips to guide the blind on sidewalks?

Thus, the government, together with private sector manufacturers, designed this small arc-shaped opening on the opposite side. Besides helping to identify, this opening prevents visually impaired individuals from spilling milk or straining to open the wrong side of the carton.

All of this started when the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan conducted a survey, where they discovered that visually impaired individuals find it extremely difficult to differentiate milk from other beverages. I miss research like this in Brazil.

The customizations of Japanese packaging

Japanese packaging is not only practical, but it also innovates in design and is vibrant, lively, and full of energy. While some companies focus on spending less on packaging, the Japanese try to make something eye-catching.

Japanese packaging often features mascots, colors, and even anime characters. Others go further and even add textures to their packaging or exotic shapes that impress any consumer.

Some companies try to include packaging with motivational, cute, and enigmatic phrases. Other companies invest in using recyclable or unique materials, while some invest in a minimalist concept.

Do you know any Japanese packaging that impressed you with its design or shape? What are your experiences with the practical packaging of Japan? Did you like the article? Don’t forget to share and leave your comments.