How Disney Uses Recycled Materials in Its Stuffed Animals
Earth Day 2024 may have come and gone, but Disney’s commitment to conservation and sustainability remains as strong today as it was yesterday.
Last week, we brought you the story of how Walt Disney World uses recycled glass throughout the resort. Now, however, I want to tell you about another way Disney is reusing recycled material.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
Did you know? More than 100 Disney stuffed animals in North America are made with more than 50% recycled material. The initiative was made possible by a group of dedicated Cast Members.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
“For a lot of kids, the first item that they get from Disney is a stuffed toy,” explained Adriana Hurtado, associate sourcing manager, Global Sourcing & Product Development. “So, if you can make it with sustainability in mind, it’s like you are supporting their future in a small way. It just helps set the tone for the next generation.”
How the Process Works
To create the stuffing for some of their most popular plush, Disney uses recycled instead of raw materials. After being collected, sorted, cleaned, and processed, the material is transformed into a soft, durable stuffing.
“People look to Disney to be best-in-class in stuffed toys. We always want to lead the way, and we can help make an impact environmentally,” said Alicia Henderson, a merchandising sr. manager.
Photo: Disney Parks Blog
When Disney originally began to explore the possibility of using recycled material for their plush, they quickly found that the option was not widely available.
“Because we were so early on that initiative, our vendors weren’t really ready for it just yet, and I feel like we ended up really pushing them,” added Sam Cascio, merchandising manager, Plush.
The team knew that they needed to have the highest quality recycled material for Disney stuffed toys. To find the right “stuff,” they explored numerous fabric and stuffing samples, which underwent multiple rounds of testing and tweaking. Eventually, the team found the perfect fit.
“When you think about how integral Disney is in the lives and stories of other people – how lucky we are that we get to be a part of people’s memories and magical moments. When you’re part of that, you owe it to them to do it the right way,” reflected Sarah Allan, associate sourcing manager, Plush.
Disney Is Just Getting Started
According to Disney, they are set to expand the number of stuffed toys containing recycled materials going forward.
“When we started back in 2017, we didn’t know how long it was going to take, but to get to this point now, where we’re producing and developing these beautiful stuffed toys that include recycled materials, is really rewarding,” shared Monty Maldovan, sr. manager, product design.
Photo: Disney
The Disney plush initiative is part of Disney’s larger Disney Planet Possible campaign.
“I think we really can leave the world better than we found it. That’s what Walt believed. That’s what I believe,” Sarah added. “We owe it to the planet. We owe it to our neighbors to do the right thing.”
Photo: Disney
To learn more about Disney’s Environmental Goals, visit impact.disney.com.
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