Hasbro to Remove Plastic From Toy Packaging Starting in 2020

[JayC]

Hasbro to Phase Out Plastic from New Toy and Game Packaging. While Marvel and Star Wars aren't specifically mentioned in the press release, I have to assume these changes will be implemented for all Hasbro products which of course includes Black Series and other Star Wars based lines. See the press release put out by Hasbro yesterday below in regards to this:

Press Release:

Beginning in 2020, Hasbro will begin phasing out plastic from new toy and game packaging across its portfolio of iconic brands like NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, MONOPOLY, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and POWER RANGERS

PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 20, 2019-- Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) announced today that, beginning in 2020, it plans to begin phasing out plastic from new product packaging, including plastic elements like polybags, elastic bands, shrink wrap, window sheets and blister packs. The company’s ambition is to eliminate virtually all plastic in packaging for new products by the end of 2022.

“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, Chairman and CEO, Hasbro. “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.”

Hasbro has a long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability, from eliminating wire ties in 2010 and adding How2Recycle® labeling in 2016, to the use of plant-based bioPET in 2018, and most recently, launching an industry-leading toy recycling program with TerraCycle®. Hasbro’s Sustainability Center of Excellence is charged with driving the integration of sustainability across the business, including driving sustainable packaging design principles.

“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, 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*.”

Hasbro’s Toy Recycling Program enables consumers to send well-loved Hasbro toys and games to TerraCycle, a global leader in product recycling, who will recycle them into materials to be used in the construction of play spaces, flowerpots, park benches, and other innovative uses. Hasbro recently announced the expansion of the program to France, Germany and Brazil, and plans to expand the program to additional markets with the goal of ensuring all Hasbro toys and games are recyclable in the major markets where it does business.

To learn more about Hasbro's sustainability efforts, visit www.hasbro.com/csr and read our CSR Report, Playing with Purpose.

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World's Best Play Experiences. From toys and games to television, movies, digital gaming and consumer products, Hasbro offers a variety of ways for audiences to experience its iconic brands, including NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and POWER RANGERS, as well as premier partner brands. Through its entertainment labels, Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation, the Company is building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Hasbro is committed to making the world a better place for children and their families through corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Hasbro ranked No. 13 on the 2019 100 Best Corporate Citizens list by CR Magazine and has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute for the past eight years. Learn more at www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro) and Instagram (@Hasbro).

*In France, Germany, Brazil and the U.S, excluding HI and AK.

[scruffy_nerd]

There are corn based plastics that are biodegradable so I wouldn't think much would change. it would be just be more environmentally conscious.  

[Satam]

45 minutes ago, scruffy_nerd said:

There are corn based plastics that are biodegradable so I wouldn't think much would change. it would be just be more environmentally conscious.  

Corn "plastics" typically don't stand up well to even minimal heat, so there could be a major problem during shipping if this is the route they go.  The alternative of a solid cardboard box with just a picture of the toy is also undesirable.

[80sboy4]

I ultimately don't mind but how will collectable figures like G1 reissues or Star Wars Vintage/Retro series be handled, you would think maybe things like these may get an exception? Just wonder going forward how all this will turn out.

[Jake_Botts]

10 hours ago, 80sboy4 said:

I ultimately don't mind but how will collectable figures like G1 reissues or Star Wars Vintage/Retro series be handled, you would think maybe things like these may get an exception? Just wonder going forward how all this will turn out.

I think we’re all asking that question given Hasbro had no replacement packaging to display or describe