ECOPA Wrap
ECOPA (69.The Unlimited)
1.Motive/ Issues behind plastic waste
One of the biggest problems the world is facing is the excess use of plasticpackaging. The amount of disposable packaging used per person in Japan isplaced second in the world [1]. This leads to environmental harm ranging fromthe depletion of marine animals to the collapse of the food chain, and negatively
affecting human-beings in the long run. Moreover, there are toxic gases that areemitted when waste is incinerated, resulting in environmental pollution.
2. Product Description and Strategy“ECOPA Wrap” is an eco-friendly packaging, consisting of four layers. The outer layer is a coating
made of waterproof plant lipids. The next layer is made of recycled paper and can be handled easily.
The middle layer is made of cruelty-free beeswax [2] which is considered a sustainable resource [3]that would help sustain the shape of the packaging. The layer closest to the food product is made oflipids, extracted from non-standard vegetables and fruits that would otherwise be thrown away. Thewrap can preserve food freshly while keeping them hygienic at the same time. Not only will “ECOPA
Wrap'' combat plastic waste problems, but it would also provide solutions for food waste. By using
these biodegradable and sustainable materials in creating our packaging, we aim to replace plastic
individual wrapping which is one of the factors that increases plastic waste today.
3. Target market
Our target market is packaging departments in Japanese confectionary companies that sell theirproducts in multiple packages such as Glico, Meiji, etc. By getting influential companies to use ourproduct, we can begin to normalize these environmentally-friendly packages. The COVID-19 pandemic
has also affected plastic-free movements. Since sanitation is prioritised, plastic packaging is being
used more often. With “ECOPA Wrap” being a better alternative for plastic packages, the target market
would expand as well.
4. Technology and social contribution
1. Cruelty-free beeswax:
a. molds the shape of the wrapper and protects the food inside
2. Layer of plant lipids:a. repels oxygen and waterb. slows down oxidation and prevents sogginessc. when burned after disposal, negative ions released, help
neutralize pollutants such as dust, mold, and odors by binding
with toxins [2]3. Biodegradable packaging style:a. layers are combined through the use of heat seal laminatingb. the beeswax in between melts and fastens the layers together→ no need for artificial glue to hold them together
5. Competitor“ECOPA Wrap” is a new material for packaging. Toppan Printing offers several "Sustainable Flexible
Packaging" products that we could consider our competitor. Their packaging which focuses on the useof recycled materials, has the same aim as our product. Their “packages use mechanically recycled
PET plastic from PET bottles" and "reduces CO₂ emissions". However, "ECOPA Wrap" uses absolutely
no plastic materials and can be considered more environmentally friendly. The current existing"eco-friendly" packaging isn’t as eco-friendly as it claims to be. The inner layers of their packages are
made of plastic in order to preserve food. Our product aims to solve these problems by providing
reusable and biodegradable packaging, while maintaining characteristics that are necessary to keep
the food edible and long-lasting (oxidation prevention, water resistance, light blocking, etc.) It also uses
recycled paper which accounts for our sustainability purpose. [5]6. Promotion Strategy
Because our product is aimed towards confectionary companies, we are planning to attend businessevents. By advertising towards an appropriate audience, we can effectively interact with companies

who are willing to engage in business partnerships. The target company would gain a positive
reputation for its plastic-free movement while we would receive societal feedback for future
improvements of our product.
7. Financial Plan ・Pricing Strategy how to raise funds at startup

At the point of startup, we plan to raise money through crowdfunding from climate-awareorganizations. We intend to raise our funds through borrowing from banks and asking large enterprises
to support us.
8. Measurement of success and future timeline
We are planning the first release of “ECOPA Wrap” in Japan. However, as this wrapper becomeswell-known and widely used, we plan to expand our target market to a global scale. Starting with snackwrappers and confectionery packaging, we aim to broaden our target to packages for delivery services.
When this is achieved, we would proudly be able to claim our product as successful. Adding on, we aimto replace all plastic packaging to “ECOPA Wrap” over the range of 20 years. By then, we plan to set up
a disposal system for “ECOPA Wrap” that would allow us to collect and reuse the material.
9. References[1] R. Tanaka, "Packaging occupies 70% of plastic waste Stop excess packaging for less waste", NewSphere, 31 Jan. 2019, https://newsphere.jp/sustainability/20190131-1/.
[2] Naturma. “Cruelty Free Beeswax.” Naturma, naturma.in/blogs/life-at-naturma/cruelty-free-bees-wax.
[3]“Beeswax.” Econation, 19 Dec. 2020, www.econation.co.nz/beeswax/.
[4] “Sustainable Development Goals.” UNDP,
www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals.html.
[5]“Sustainable Flexible Packaging: Living & Industry Division_Packaging.” TOPPAN PRINTING,
www.toppan.co.jp/living-industry/packaging/english/products/sustainable_flexible_packaging/.