► New range of more eco Matchbox cars
► Choose from plug-in Teslas, BMWs, Nissans
► Part of drive to 100% green toys by 2030
Pity the makers of toy model cars. They need to make sturdy vehicles capable of surviving high-speed impacts with skirting boards, sticky fingers and, increasingly, scrutiny from environmentalists.
Mattel has responded with a new range of ecologically sound Matchbox cars that are made from 99% recycled materials, as it moves away from less sustainable ingredients.
The new range unveiled today is led by a Tesla Roadster, and green-minded kids can also choose a BMW i3 and i8 or Nissan Leaf. It’s all part of Matchbox’s pledge to use 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials for its cars and all packaging by 2030.
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When can I buy the Matchbox Tesla Roadster?
The mini-Musk-mobile won’t be available until 2022. It is the flagship new eco toy car, according to Mattel, and is the company’s first model to be certified as carbon neutral. It’s accompanied by new accessories that supplement gas stations with electric vehicle charging bays.
‘Since the inception of the modern-day die-cast 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 is committing to using 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials to do our part in addressing the environmental issues we face today, and empower the next generation of Matchbox fans to help steer us towards a sustainable future.’
Mattel’s move reflects moves by other toy manufacturers such as Lego, which is engineering its plastic-intensive building bricks to be more environmentally friendly.
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