Good Smile Company Abandons Nendoroid Box Design Changes
Dec 11,2024
In a surprising turn of events, Japanese model manufacturer Good Smile Company has decided to retract its plans to change the box design for its popular Nendoroid figures. Initially aimed at reducing plastic usage and promoting eco-friendly practices, the proposed changes faced significant backlash from collectors and fans. Following a wave of consumer opposition, the company has opted to maintain the original packaging design.
On October 25, Good Smile Company had announced a bold packaging overhaul that included the removal of the classic transparent display window in favor of plain white boxes, along with replacing the plastic inner trays with paper ones designed for parts storage. While the intention was to support environmental initiatives, the reaction from the dedicated collector community was overwhelmingly negative.
Today, in an official statement, Good Smile Company acknowledged the feedback from consumers and expressed regret over the situation. They stated, “As a company committed to providing customer satisfaction, we sincerely apologize for the concerns this matter has caused. We will reassess our brand positioning and listen carefully to our customers' opinions, striving to deliver higher quality products and value.”
Current and Future Nendoroid Packaging
Most Nendoroids will continue to feature the original box design moving forward. However, due to production schedules, 12 specific Nendoroid models will be shipped in the new paper packaging. Customers have been given the option to cancel their orders and are encouraged to contact customer support through the official website for assistance.
List of Affected Nendoroids
The Nendoroid models impacted by this change include:
- Nendoroid Kurisu Makise 2.0
- Nendoroid Chino - Winter Uniform Ver.
- Nendoroid Sakura Ayane
- Nendoroid Taiga Aisaka 2.0
- Nendoroid Yoko Littner 2.0
- Nendoroid Koko Hekmatyar
- Nendoroid Rita
- Nendoroid Belle Dandy
- Nendoroid Doug
- Nendoroid Yarelbed - Dress Ver.
- Nendoroid Momo - The Dark Hero
- Nendoroid Hana
Additionally, the previously shipped Nendoroid Kanon Yamashita Basic was also delivered in a white box. Despite abandoning the initial plan, Good Smile Company remains committed to exploring alternative methods to reduce plastic waste in the future.
Environmental Responsibility and Consumer Trust
The decision to revert the packaging changes highlights the importance of consumer trust and feedback in product development. Good Smile Company’s willingness to listen to its community reflects a growing trend among companies to prioritize customer input, especially when it comes to sustainability issues.
Community Impact and Collector Sentiment
Collectors have expressed their concerns not only about the aesthetics of the packaging but also about the implications of eco-friendly practices on the collectible market. Many feel that maintaining the classic designs is crucial for preserving the value and appeal of their collections.
Looking Ahead: Future Initiatives
While the box design changes have been scrapped, Good Smile Company is exploring other avenues to minimize environmental impact. Their commitment to sustainability may lead to innovative solutions that satisfy both eco-conscious consumers and collectors alike.