Jul 07 (NHK) - Japanese major convenience store chain Lawson is planning to offer wooden spoons to customers instead of single-use plastic ones. It is part of an effort to cut down on plastic waste.
Lawson says it will provide the spoons on a trial basis at eight stores in Tokyo to customers who buy "bento" box meals or desserts.
The company says the spoons will cost three times as much as plastic ones. It will decide whether to make the switch on a broad scale after seeing how customers respond.
A Lawson official says the company wants to see a change in customer mindset that takes disposable plastic spoons for granted.
A law was enacted last month to encourage waste reduction and plastic recycling. It obliges businesses to not use plastic products excessively.
Other major Japanese convenience store chains are also trying to cut back on plastic waste.
Seven-Eleven is testing a system at some stores to give reward points to customers who decline disposable forks and spoons.
FamilyMart has introduced spoons with less plastic content.
Source: ANNnewsCH
