Business & Tech
Hasbro Vows To Remove All Plastic From Toy Packaging By 2022
The Rhode Island toymaker will reduce the number of polybags, elastic bands, shrink wrap, window sheets and blister packs in packaging.
PAWTUCKET, RI — Rhode Island toymaker Hasbro announced that it will begin phasing out plastic packaging, with the goal of completely eliminating it by 2022. Toys are infamously encased in what can feel like dozens of layers of plastic packaging, from bags to blister packaging to clear plastic windows.
"Removing plastic from our packaging is the latest advancement in our more than decade-long journey to create a more sustainable future for our business and our world," said Brian Goldner, Hasbro's chairman and CEO. "We have an experienced, cross-functional team in place to manage the complexity of this undertaking and will look to actively engage employees, customers, and partners as we continue to innovate and drive progress as a leader in sustainability."
This is Hasbro's most dramatic step forward in promoting sustainability in its products. In 2010, the company eliminated wire ties from toy packaging, and in 2016 added "How2Recycle" labels. Last year, Hasbro started using plant-based bio-PET materials and recently launched a toy recycling program with TerraCycle.
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The public can sell their no-longer-usable toys to TerraCycle, a company well-known for recycling a wide range of products. The company will then break down the toys to be remade into projects like play spaces, flowerpots, park benches and more.
"Reimagining and redesigning packaging across our brand portfolio is a complex undertaking, but we believe it’s important and our teams are up for the challenge," said John Frascotti, President and Chief Operating Officer of Hasbro. "We know consumers share our commitment to protecting the environment, and we want families to feel good knowing that our packaging will be virtually plastic-free, and our products can be easily recycled through our Toy Recycling Program with TerraCycle."
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Over the next few years, Hasbro will phase out the use of all plastic elements in toy packaging, including polybags, elastic bands, shrink wrap, window sheets and blister packs.
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