The FAO Schwarz charm bracelets on display had too much packaging, frustrating shoppers.
What happened?
A Reddit user on r/Anticonspiration posted a photo of FAO Schwarz’s “Charm Squad” bracelet collection. It displays oversized plastic clamshell boxes filled with tiny bracelets and personalized charms.
Photo credit: Reddit
“All this plastic packaging for a little bracelet,” the original poster wrote. “Don’t even get me started on the spells.”
Other community members also expressed their disappointment.
One reviewer recalled: “It used to be common practice to sell delicate bracelets in beautiful glass display cases and then package them in a nice cardboard box with a layer of cotton material or a spring box that could be repurposed.”
Another responded: “Losing this kind of consumer packaging is something I really miss. Eyeglass cases, ring cases, watch cases, cigars. It’s a sadly small and annoying thing, but clamshell boxes actually break. Today’s demo is about drama, it just needs to be functional enough.”
Why is overpackaging of toys a concern?
When companies use oversized plastic casings in tiny products, the additional material and manufacturing costs are factored into the retail price. The $4.99 charm bracelet might cost less if it came in simple cardboard packaging instead of a hard plastic case.
The burden of disposal then falls on the buyer.
Hard plastic clamshells are difficult to recycle because most curbside programs don’t accept them. This allows consumers to figure out what to do with their waste. These boxes will most likely take up space in their home until trash day.
About 90% of the world’s toys are made of plastic, and packaging waste accounts for 40% of global plastic waste.
What does FAO Schwarz do about this?
FAO Schwarz does not have a public-facing sustainability policy that addresses its packaging practices.
The company’s website focuses on its products and in-store experiences, but makes no mention of environmental commitments or efforts to reduce packaging waste.
Other toy companies have taken steps to address consumer concerns. Mattel has committed to reducing plastic packaging by 25% by 2030. All Green Toys products are made from recycled materials and packaged in 100% recyclable cardboard.
What to do about excessive packaging?
Six states, including California, Colorado and Minnesota, have now passed extended producer responsibility laws. These laws shift the cost of packaging waste management from consumers and municipalities back to the companies that make it. California law requires 100% of single-use packaging to be recyclable or compostable by 2032.
When shopping, look for toys packaged in cardboard rather than plastic. Purchasing second-hand toys from thrift stores and online markets can also reduce waste.
Let the company know about your packaging preferences by sharing feedback on your social media pages and website.
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