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The Matchbox Tesla Roadster Is the First Recycled Die-Cast Toy Car

Our planet is drowning in plastic waste, but Mattel is taking active steps toward no longer being a part of the problem. The "Drive Toward a Better Future" campaign is one such step.
The Matchbox Tesla Roadster, the first die-cast vehicle to be made of recycled materials 6 photos
Photo: Mattel
The Matchbox Tesla Roadster, the first die-cast vehicle to be made of recycled materialsThe Matchbox Tesla Roadster, the first die-cast vehicle to be made of recycled materialsThe Matchbox Tesla Roadster, the first die-cast vehicle to be made of recycled materialsThe Matchbox Tesla Roadster, the first die-cast vehicle to be made of recycled materialsThe Matchbox Tesla Roadster, the first die-cast vehicle to be made of recycled materials
Mattel is announcing the launch of the Matchbox Tesla Roadster, of which it says it’s the world’s first die-cast vehicle to be made of 99% recycled materials. The toy Roadster is also carbon-neutral, which means whatever the carbon footprint of its production has been offset with carbon credits. In this case, they went to preserving the grasslands in Montana and Colorado.

Carbon offsetting remains a rather controversial practice, but it’s undoubtedly backed by the best of intentions. It’s definitely better than not doing anything at all.

The Roadster is just the first of many similar toy cars to come, Mattel says. With a stated goal of removing all plastic packaging from its products by 2030, Mattel promises a more EV-heavy line from Matchbox. All die-cast vehicles will use recycled and recyclable materials, with the electronics packed in a single, easy-disposable module that would facilitate local recycling.

Moreover, the toy cars come in plastic-free packaging and accompanied by “how-to” instructions on how to recycle every component. The introduction of more EV models, along with the mandatory accessories like charging stations, represents a “more eco-friendly approach to play.” As they say, start them young: this also applies to educating the young on the need to lead a more sustainable life. It’s just as best to do by play.

“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,”
Global Head of Vehicles at Mattel Roberto Stanichi says in a statement. “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.”
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About the author: Elena Gorgan
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Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends.
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