Pupils will learn about the Mattel PlayBack programme which encourages sustainability as materials are recovered and reused from outgrown toys.
As part of its bid to achieve 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials in its product and packing by 2030, Mattel is launching a nationwide educational resource to engage UK primary schools and KS2 pupils in learning about sustainably and introducing its Mattel PlayBack programme to children for the first time.
The free programme is designed to recover and reuse materials from outgrown, eligible Mattel toys, aiming to divert waste from landfill.
Running throughout 2022 in 700 Schools with over 150,000 pupils, the resource has been designed encompassing PSHE and citizenship topics to celebrate the power of sustainable play, at home and at school.
Children will take part in a series of lessons where they will learn about how climate change is impacting our planet before becoming Mattel PlayBack Ambassadors. The materials will introduce Mattel’s programme that aims to give a second life by encouraging families to donate or recycle their children’s outgrown eligible Barbie, Mega and Matchbox toys.
Children will also take part in a teacher-led Mattel PlayBack Swap Shop Club, encouraging children to share toys to enable them to have new experiences and adventures.
Kelly Philp, marketing director Mattel UK, said: “Since launching the Mattel PlayBack scheme in 2021 we have created a number of parent-focused programmes to raise awareness of this initiative, and we are thrilled to now – for the first time – share this with children through an educational resource. At Mattel, our purpose is to empower the next generation to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential, and this resource helps children in Britain to explore more sustainable solutions for their outgrown eligible Mattel toys.”
To participate in the Mattel PlayBack programme, consumers can visit Mattel.com/PlayBack, print a free shipping label, and pack and mail their outgrown eligible Mattel toys back to Mattel. The programme currently accepts Barbie, Matchbox and Mega toys for recycling with other brands to be added in the future.
For more information on the Mattel PlayBack programme, visit Mattel.com/PlayBack or to find out about Mattel’s ESG efforts, visit https://corporate.mattel.com/en-us/citizenship
