Matchbox shifts toward sustainability

Another of the world’s largest automakers is making the move to electrified vehicles, albeit on a 1:64-scale basis. 

Mattel Inc. has announced that its Matchbox division plans to produce its die-cast cars, playsets and packaging with 100 percent recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic by 2030. The effort begins with the introduction in 2022 of a Tesla Roadster toy car made from 99 percent recycled materials. 

Being launched even sooner is an MBX EV & Hybrid package that includes five toy cars, each based on an electric or hybrid vehicle. A Matchbox fuel station playset will include an electric vehicle charging outlet in addition to traditional gasoline pumps.

“Since the inception of the modern-day die-cast car nearly 70 years ago, Matchbox has been using design and innovation to connect kids with the real world around them through play,” Roberto Stanichi, global head of vehicles at Mattel, is quoted in the company’s news release.

“Matchbox is committing to using 100 percent 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.”

Matchbox added that even before the Tesla Roadster toy launch, its products’ packaging will shift from plastic to paper and wood-fiber materials. How2Recycle information will be included on Matchbox packaging. 

For more information, visit the Matchbox website.