Plarail prototype was made of coco bean skins, egg shells and rocks from volcanoes

I question the durability but I think they are really trying to keep the price down for Plarail.  

My gosh... I had no idea how much toys (specifically in the US) cost these days.  Hot Wheels and Matchbox fortunately managed to stay cheap but can't believe how much action figures are these days.

I was looking at LEGOs and those small $4 boxes are now $8. 

I know they keep saying it's because of the price of petroleum but if Takara Tomy has to go that route, as long as they find ways to keep it sturdy and not breaking easily.