What happens to the old toys collected by Mattel?

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Old Mattel Toys Are Processed for Reuse in New Products

The old toys collected through Mattel's "Mattel PlayBack" programme are cleaned, sorted by plastic type, and then transformed into plastic granules. These granules are subsequently used as recycled content in the manufacturing of new toys, aiming to give them a second life and divert them from landfills. This initiative is currently operational in Germany, Canada, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom.
Toy Collection for Recycling

Mattel has initiated the "Mattel PlayBack" programme, a circular economy initiative that allows consumers in five specified countries to return their used toys. This programme is designed to address the issue of toy waste by providing a pathway for old toys to be repurposed rather than discarded. The collected items include Barbie dolls, along with toys from the Matchbox and MEGA brands.
Processing for Repurposing

Upon receipt, the returned toys undergo a cleaning process. A designated recycling organisation is responsible for sorting the toys based on their plastic composition. This sorting is a crucial step in ensuring that the materials can be effectively processed and reused.
Transformation into Recycled Content

Following sorting and cleaning, the toys are transformed into plastic granules. This granulated material serves as recycled content, which Mattel intends to incorporate into the production of new toys. Pamela Gill-Alabaster, Global Head of Sustainability at Mattel, highlighted that this process aims to repurpose materials and contribute to addressing the global waste challenge.
Consumer Participation in the Programme

To engage with the "Mattel PlayBack" programme, consumers are required to complete a form on the programme's official website. After submission, they can print a prepaid return label. This label is then affixed to a package containing the old toys, which can then be mailed back to Mattel for recycling.

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What happens to the old toys collected by Mattel?

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