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

At the Tokyo Toy Show 2024, Takara Tomy exhibited a prototype "Plarail" toy made from cocoa bean skins, egg shells, and rocks from undersea volcanoes as part of its research and development efforts into environmentally friendly toy materials to replace petroleum-based plastics.

Currently, the Takara Tomy Group is focusing on naturally derived materials that would normally be discarded, such as egg shells and rice husks, and is working on research and development of environmentally friendly toy materials to replace petroleum-derived plastics. At this exhibition, a reference exhibit of "Plarail," which uses various environmentally friendly materials (sustainable materials), was on display as a result of the current research and development efforts in this challenge.

Regarding Plarail, the company said, "we have a track record of developing 'Ecorail', which uses more than 50% recycled materials for rail parts, for over 10 years since 2012. However, we believe that we need to research and develop the possibility of using environmentally friendly materials other than recycled materials as a next step".

I mean, this is good, but if the models are going downhill, eBay Dont fail me now!!!!

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.

yes, if you want a AEG Thomas Pack, it'll set you back $10
I mean if you want cheap Tomy Thomas packs, use Amazon US, $20-30 for 1 pack