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Why are Asian products so often wrapped in really thick plastics? (feddit.de)

submitted 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

16 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I live in Europe but sometimes shop at Asian supermarkets here. One of the things I notice with almost everything I buy there is that plastic packaging feels a lot thicker than that on European products. Is there a rational reason for this? Are plastics simply cheaper? Or do people worry more that products might spoil? Are these different types of plastics?

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[–] [email protected] 17 points 8 months ago (2 children)

Are those products imported from Asia?
If so the transport might require packaging them to survive the trip.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I doubt that. For one, it's not just exported foods — similar types of packaging are used at least in Japan domestically.

For two, I'd presume that in either case, domestic and export, the retail packaging is shipped within a carton within a carton and then wrapped in cling foil and placed on a palette. Iow, the packaging shouldn't need to be hardier for export, because the outer layer(s) of corrugated cardboard and extra plastic should take any occurring damage.

[–] Cort 4 points 8 months ago

I know on the multiple boxes issue it's because of differing rules on wall thickness & sturdiness from country to country. So I'm wondering if there's a country that requires a specific plastic thickness for products. Then it would just be the manufacturer using the lowest common denominator that works worldwide, instead of having multiple SKUs or having to repackage it.

[–] PP_BOY_ 3 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

No, plastic wrapping is just as big in Asia. There's a cultural belief that plastic = processed = sanitary/refined.

Inside Japan's plastic wrapping obsession | CNN (pardon the sensationalist headline.)