Packaging Digest

Hasbro cuts its tie with wire ties for toy packaging

Beginning in 2011, Hasbro Inc. will eliminate all wire ties from its packaging. In addition, the company has set a 2011 goal that at least 75 percent of its paper packaging will be derived from recycled material or sources that practice sustainable forest management.

By 2015, Hasbro has set a goal of 90 percent usage of these materials and sources for all of its paperboard packaging and in-box game content. Hasbro is also working with its core toy and game licensees to help them put similar standards in place.

"Walmart applauds Hasbro's industry leadership position in the area of environmental sustainability, which includes its initiative to systematically reduce, and eventually replace, wire ties with sustainable and innovative materials made from paper rattan and other materials," says Laura Phillips, Walmart's senior vice president of toys and seasonal merchandising.

To further support and ensure the success of the company's efforts in sustainability, Hasbro will be hiring a director of product and packaging sustainability, reporting directly into the global chief development officer.

"Hasbro's commitment to sustainability has been, and continues to be a high priority in virtually all facets of our operations," says Brian Goldner, Hasbro's president and CEO. "The company's ongoing focus on sustainability is critically important to Hasbro and to the consumers around the world who enjoy our brands and products. Importantly, we will be taking additional steps in the area of sustainability going forward, building upon what we have already accomplished in recent years."

The advances in sustainability announced by Hasbro reflect an ongoing corporate responsibility commitment, with a specific focus on making improvements that will promote sustainable sourcing of materials. In 2010, Hasbro significantly reduced plastic bags from its product instructions, removing some 800,000 pounds of material worldwide from the waste stream. Currently, more than 90 percent of solid waste generated at the company's owned and operated manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts and Ireland is recycled.

SOURCE: Hasbro Inc.