Diecast model manufacturer Matchbox will make all of its cars, playsets and packaging with 100 percent recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic. The pledge is part of a plan to become a cleaner, greener company by 2030.
The first diecast models to have zero plastic packaging include the Matchbox Power Grabs assortment, which includes a variety of 1:64 scale vehicles.
To help encourage environmental consciousness among children, the company also announced that EV charging stations will feature in two Action Drivers playsets. The Matchbox Fuel Station Playset is due this spring and the Matchbox Park and Play Garage Playset arrives in the autumn.
In addition, Matchbox will launch an EV-themed five-pack soon – the first time the company has made a collection of electrified vehicles. The Electric Vehicle and Hybrid five-car assortment includes the Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius, BMW i3, BMW i8 and an e-Star delivery van. It’s priced from £7.95.
“Since the inception of the modern-day diecast car nearly 70 years ago, Matchbox has been using design and innovation to connect kids with the real world around them through play,” said Roberto Stanichi, global head of vehicles at Mattel, Matchbox’s parent company.
“Matchbox is committing to using 100 percent recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials to do our part in addressing the environmental issues we face today.”
Carbon-neutral diecast cars
Matchbox also announced it will build a Tesla Roadster. This will be its first model made from 99 percent recycled materials and certified as carbon neutral – the latter which many car makers are striving to achieve.
Constructed from 62.1 percent recycled zinc, 1.0 percent stainless steel and 36.9 percent recycled plastic, the Matchbox Tesla Roadster will be available in 2022.
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