EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) today announced that in 2020 it exceeded its goal to achieve and maintain 95% recycled or FSC-certified content in the paper and wood fiber used in its products and packaging.
Through its focus on maximizing post-consumer recycled content, avoiding virgin fiber from controversial sources, and seeking to increase the percentage of fiber certified by a credible third party, Mattel sourced 97% recycled or FSC-certified content used in products and packaging in 2020, as validated by the Rainforest Alliance. The Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization working at the intersection of business, agriculture, and forests.
“Responsible and sustainable sourcing is a critical component of our updated ESG strategy, and Mattel packaging teams implement various eco-design and circular economy principles in the development of our products and packaging,” said Pamela Gill-Alabaster, Head of Global Sustainability for Mattel. “Our focus is to develop innovative products and experiences that are better for our world by integrating sustainable materials and principles of product stewardship and circular design.”
Mattel was also recognized today by the FSC with a 2021 Leadership Award for its excellence in the use of FSC-certified products and commitment to responsible forest management. The accolade reflects a decade of partnership between the Company, including its packaging and procurement teams, and the Rainforest Alliance, which has supported the Company’s engagement, worked with its paperboard suppliers, and provided valuable training to help Mattel prepare for, achieve, and maintain FSC certification. The Rainforest Alliance also audits Mattel’s annual paper packaging and wood fiber use by source, volume, and type.
“The Rainforest Alliance has been proudly collaborating with Mattel on their Responsible Wood/Fiber Procurement Program since 2011. Through our partnership, the company has developed and subsequently improved its sustainable sourcing principles and goals, driven forward responsible sourcing practices of sustainably produced forest materials, and has ever since demonstrated steady progress towards the achievement of its set principles and goals,” said Christopher N.H. Schwarz, Manager, Corporate Advisory, Rainforest Alliance.
Recognizing the importance of forests’ role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting life on earth, Mattel has also launched a reforestation Tree Equity partnership with American Forests aimed at addressing tree inequity in Los Angeles, near the Company's headquarters. Low-income neighborhoods across the country are often situated in areas where trees are sparse, preventing them from reaping the numerous benefits trees provide. This partnership program with American Forests is nature positive and provides city-dwelling communities with an improved infrastructure of trees, aiming to improve quality of life. The inequitable distribution of trees in cities exacerbates social inequities. Mattel’s partnership with American Forests is in support of the Company’s aim to create positive social impact through purposeful play and by supporting diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities where we live, work, and play.
The Company continues to make progress in support of its goal to achieve 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastic materials in all products and packaging by 2030. In June, Mattel launched Barbie® Loves the Ocean, its first fashion doll line made from recycled ocean-bound plastic*, and earlier this year announced Drive Toward a Better Future, its product roadmap to make all Matchbox® die-cast cars, playsets, and packaging with 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastic materials by 2030. The Company also launched Mattel PlayBack, a toy takeback program designed to recover and reuse materials from old Mattel toys for future Mattel products. For more information about the Company’s updated ESG strategy and goals, please see Mattel’s recently published 2020 Citizenship Report.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com.
About the Forest Stewardship Council
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a global nonprofit organization that promotes environmentally sound, socially beneficial, and economically prosperous management of forests. FSC was created in 1993 to set the standards by which forests are certified, offering assurance to consumers and businesses that the wood and pulp products they buy originate from well-managed forests. 4,500 companies and nearly 160 million acres of forestland are certified under FSC in the United States and Canada. For more information visit us.fsc.org.
About American Forests
American Forests is the oldest national nonprofit conservation organization in the United States. Since our founding in 1875, we have been the pathfinders for creating healthy forests from coast to coast. For example, we championed creation of the U.S. Forest Service and have persuaded Congress to provide stable funding for fighting and preventing forest fires. Our deep knowledge of forests and track record of collaboration has positioned us to build a reforestation movement in America. We believe healthy forests are our pathway to slowing climate change and advancing social equity. Our mission is to create healthy and resilient forests, from cities to large landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. At American Forests, we envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. If we take care of our forests, they will take care of us. To learn more go to americanforests.org.
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*Plastic parts made from 90% plastic sourced within 50km of waterways in areas lacking formal waste collection systems. Doll head, shoes, tablet and beach lantern accessory excluded.
