After announcing the phasing out of plastic from its packaging in 2019, Hasbro is re-introducing rPET and bio-PET windows and blisters back into the packaging for its 6-inch figures, seeking both functionality and recyclability.
Bantha Skull, a fan site for Star Wars-themed toys, shared a press release from Hasbro stating that, based on consumer feedback, it would make the transition with the aim of “meeting our fans’ expectations for extraordinary packaging and superior design while still developing packaging that minimizes waste and the use of virgin plastic.”
Such toy ranges as Marvel Legends, Star Wars Black Series, Power Rangers Lightning Collection, and G.I. Joe Classified will see the re-introduction of plastic packaging this year and into 2024. All of Hasbro’s 6-inch figure releases are expected to be designed using rPET or bio-PET in the future.
Originally, the company planned to remove almost all the plastic from its toy packaging – including its My Little Pony, Nerf, and Magic: The Gathering lines – by the end of 2022. This included polybags, elastic bands, shrink wraps, window sheets, and blister packs.
“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, Hasbro’s chairman and CEO, in 2019. “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.”
Previous efforts saw the LEGO Group work towards the phasing out of single-use plastics in its own packaging, from swapping its plastic inner bags with paper alternatives to producing a prototype LEGO brick from recycled PET bottles.
Closer to the present, McDonald’s is working to cut down on the amount of plastic in its Happy Meal toys in a bid to reduce waste.
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