Japan is launching an ambitiously green scheme to get companies to start putting carbon footprint labels on their products in an effort to inspire producers and consumers to lower their CO2 emissions. The labels will appear on a variety of products including food packaging, electrical appliances, and even detergent.

Right now the program is voluntary, but many companies are happily volunteering to use carbon labeling to gain an edge in the ever-growing green consumer market. The Japanese Trade Ministry is currently working out the kinks for the government-approved calculation and labeling system, but it should end up looking similar to this ——>

To promote the scheme, the ministry has released details of the carbon footprint left by a packet of crisps. A single bag emits 75 grams of carbon dioxide, 44% of which comes from growing potatoes, with another 30% emitted during the production stage. The packaging accounts for a further 15%, while the delivery and disposal of the bag account for 9% and 2%, respectively.

The Japanese government has vowed to cut emissions up to 80% in 2050, and Prime Minister Yasou Fukuda has called on Japanese consumers to lead a “global CO2 revolution.” Taking the confusion out of green labeling? Cutting back on greenwashing? Getting companies to compete with one another to lower their production and distribution emissions? It’s an awesome idea, and the next logical step in green marketing.

takepart and find out what The Carbon Action Plan (CAP) is doing to bring about similar initiatives in the beverage industry in the US.

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