These days, some of the world’s biggest manufacturers are trying everything they possibly can to make their products greener and more ecofriendly. Hasbro, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of toys and games for children, recently announced that it would make the move to plant-based plastic packaging starting in 2019. This is an unprecedented move, and one that may set the stage for other companies to follow suit.

Plant-Based Packaging

Hasbro will start using bioPET plastic in 2019, which is part of the company’s huge push to use more sustainable resources in its products and product packaging. bioPET stands for bio-polyethylene terephthalate, and it is a clear plastic that Hasbro will use for plastic windows and blister packs. The bioPET chosen by Hasbro contains 30% plant-based materials, and rather than taking these materials directly from crops grown for this purpose, the materials come from agricultural byproducts and waste. As such, it is considered a sustainable and more ecofriendly option than traditional plastics.

Steps Taken by Hasbro to Reduce Reliance on Non-Sustainable Materials

Hasbro has been involved in the green packaging movement since 2007, which is long before many other companies. They have taken great strides to move to more sustainable packaging, including:

• Eliminating tissue paper in shipping cartons;
• Moving from double-walled to single-walled shipping cartons;
• Eliminating wire ties designed to promote toy stability during shipment and display;
• Replacing PVC packaging, which is not recyclable, with PET packaging, which is fully recyclable;
• Sourcing 75% or more of their paper for packaging from recycled or sustainable sources; and
• Sourcing 90% of more of their paper for in-box content and packaging from recycled or sustainable sources.

Hasbro’s Consideration

Hasbro has gone into some detail about their thought processes and standards when it comes to designing packaging for their toys and games. First and foremost, the circular economy is a vital consideration. It defines a system in which everyone works together to reduce waste, emissions, and energy leaks, and Hasbro is doing its part. They consider the entire lifecycle of their products and want to ensure the likelihood of their packaging being recycled rather than taking up space in a landfill. Hasbro belongs to the How2Recycle program, and it aims to use the new bioPET material across its entire game and toy lineup starting next year.

Should You Consider Plant-Based Plastic?

Plant-based plastic is picking up steam across many industries. Even Lego, another huge name in children’s toys and entertainment, is making the move. They say they will start making their iconic blocks and pieces from a plastic derived from sugarcane at some point during 2018, a historic move that will take Lego well into the future of toy manufacturing and hopefully set the stage for other companies. Bioplastic is also feasible for food packaging, and there are numerous food product manufacturers making the switch, too. Hasbro has been around since 1926, and many of the biggest toys are sold under the Hasbro name. Their number one goal involves creating toys that keep kids happy and parents at ease, and in doing so, they recognized the need to protect the environment for the very generations playing with their toys. This move, it is hoped, will pave the way for other toy makers, food manufacturers, and even plastics companies.