Tesla Roadster, made from 99% recycled materials, will form brand sustainability blueprint for the future.
In a bid to drive forward its sustainability goal, Mattel has announced it will make all Matchbox die-cast cars, playsets and packaging with 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic, starting with the Matchbox Tesla Roadster, its first certified carbon neutral die-cast vehicle.
Mattel’s Drive Toward a Better Future commitment will see a range of innovative electric vehicles and environments that model the real world, and are designed to engage kids in a greener future of driving. It supports the company’s goal to achieve 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials across both its products and packaging by 2030.
The Matchbox Tesla Roadster, available in 2022, will be made from 99% recycled materials and built from 62.1% recycled zinc, 1% stainless steel and 36.9% recycled plastic, and will form a brand blueprint for the future.
The reimagined broader Matchbox brand includes new product lines and packaging that feature more environmentally friendly and innovative materials across vehicles, playsets and packaging, enhanced consumer recycling through product design and packaging labelling, and an overall eco-friendly approach to play.
Roberto Stanichi, global head of vehicles at Mattel, said: “Matchbox is committing to using 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials to do our part in addressing the environmental issues we face today, and empower the next generation of Matchbox fans to help steer us towards a sustainable future.”
Products will feature zero-plastic packaging, using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified content in the paper and wood fibre. The first die-cast to have zero-plastic packaging includes the popular Matchbox Power Grabs assortment featuring a variety of licensed and original 1:64 scale Matchbox die-cast vehicles. An electric vehicle themed five-pack is available this spring with a paper foam inner tray. The Electric Vehicle & Hybrid 5 car assortment includes the Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius and BMWs i3 & i8 die-casts. EV charging stations will feature in two Action Drivers play sets this year encouraging environmental consciousness within a new generation – the Matchbox Fuel Station Playset in spring and the Matchbox Park & Play Garage Playset this autumn.
The brand is promoting proper recycling and waste recovery, and electronics in play sets are consolidated into a single, easily removable module to help make the local e-waste recycling process easier. How 2 Recycle labelling will guide consumers on the proper disposal of packaging materials, and the brand is also exploring ways to reduce energy use, carbon emissions and waste in operations, while delivering the same standard of excellence across Matchbox products.
