Mattel has announced its commitment to make all Matchbox die-cast cars, playsets and packaging with 100 per cent recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastics, with the release of its first-of-its-kind carbon neutral, Matchbox Tesla Roadster die-cast vehicle.
Built from 62.1 per cent recycled zinc, one per cent stainless steel and 36.9 per cent recycled plastic, the Matchbox Tesla Roadster will be available starting in 2022 and makes part of Mattel’s wider goal to achieve 100 per cent recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials across its products and packaging.
Mattel has also partnered with Target Australia in piloting a ‘Take Back’ Program.
The initiative will allow people to drop off old toy cars to one of 10 Target locations nationwide where the products will then be cycled forward – collected, cleaned and sorted by Waverley Industries – an organisation that offers employment opportunities to those with special needs.
The toys will then be given a new life through donation to both the Lighthouse Foundation and Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA). The toys that aren’t in usable condition for donation will be sent to a local recycling plant and melted into recycled steel.