Parents’ efforts to keep their children amused during COVID lock-downs has resulted in an increase in demand for toys and games, which is great news for manufacturers but not so good for the environment.
Marketing company Bazaarvoice reviewed more than 6000 brand and retailer websites and found that page views for the toy and hobby category globally were 90 percent higher in April 2020 compared to April 2019.
General Manager of TerraCycle Australia, Jean Bailliard, issued a plea for parents to ensure the packaging of those products, and any unwanted toys after lock-down ends, are disposed of responsibly.
He said toys are hard to recycle in general because they are usually made from several materials which need to be separated to be recycled effectively.
“While metal and electronic components can be easier to recycle, plastic can be tricky due to the size, and make-up of the components, which is why toys are not accepted in council recycling programs. Unfortunately, most toys end up in landfill,” he said.
He said that MGA Entertainment, the world’s largest and fastest growing privately held toy company, is a good example of a company leading its industry in Australia by encouraging parents and children to learn about the importance of keeping plastic out of the environment through the new L.O.L. Surprise™ and TerraCycle recycling program.
The company partnered with TerraCycle earlier this year specifically to eliminate any concerns about its product recyclability and the program is now open to all fans in Australia.
“We know our L.O.L. Surprise fans care about the environment, which is why we were keen to offer a free recycling service for the brand’s packaging, accessories and products,” Managing Director at MGA Entertainment Australia, Sapienza Salerno, said.
Mr Bailliard also said showing children how the earth has benefitted from less waste during COVID provided a good way to reinforce the recycling message.
To participate in the free L.O.L. Surprise™ recycling program, re-use any box to collect L.O.L. recycling, then sign up to the L.O.L. recycling program (terracycle.com/en-AU/brigades/lolsurprise-au). There you will find more information about the program and be able to download a free shipping label to attach to your box.
When TerraCycle receives the shipments, the materials are melted down and used to make new products.
Collectors in the program also receive TerraCycle points if they meet minimum shipment requirements, which can be converted into a donation to the charity of their choice.
About_TerraCycle
TerraCycle is an innovative waste management company with a mission to eliminate the idea of waste. Operating nationally across 21 countries, TerraCycle partners with leading consumer product companies, retailers and cities to recycle products and packages, from dirty diapers to cigarette butts, that would otherwise end up being landfilled or incinerated. In addition, TerraCycle works with leading consumer product companies to integrate hard to recycle waste streams, such as ocean plastic, into their products and packaging. Its new division, Loop, is the first shopping system that gives consumers a way to shop for their favourite brands in durable, reusable packaging. TerraCycle also sells Zero Waste Boxes that are purchased by end users to recycle items in offices, homes, factories and public facilities. TerraCycle has won over 200 awards for sustainability, donated over $44 million to schools and charities since its founding more than 15 years ago, and was named #10 in Fortune magazine’s list of 52 companies Changing the World. www.terracycle.com.
About MGA Entertainment
MGA Entertainment, a consumer entertainment products company headquartered in Chatsworth, California, creates innovative proprietary and licensed products including toys and games, dolls, consumer electronics, home décor, stationery and sporting goods. The MGA family includes award-winning brands such as L.O.L. Surprise™, Little Tikes®, Num Noms™, Poopsie Slime Surprise™, Bratz®, Rainbows in Pieces™, Na! Na! Na! Surprise™, Wreck Royale™, Baby Born Surprise™ and Zapf Creation®. Visit us at www.mgae.com.
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