VTech announced that it will launch a variety of green electronic learning products in 2021, which marks an important step for its sustainability commitment towards replacing fossil based plastics with sustainable alternatives by 2030. VTech’s eco-friendly products include three new vehicles in the popular Go! Go! Smart Wheels line made from plant-based plastic, and the Sort & Recycle Ride-on Truck™ made from reclaimed plastic.
For LeapFrog products, in addition to a new Choppin’ Fun Learning Pot with vegetables and accessories made from plant-based plastic, VTech will source materials from responsibly managed forests certified by Forest Stewardship Council for two new wooden toys, Touch & Learn Nature ABC Board™ and Interactive Wooden Animal Puzzle.
The introduction of sustainable product packaging for VTech toys is also well underway. Currently 94% of the packaging materials is recyclable, while 90% of the cardboard used in the packaging is recycled materials. VTech is also committed to eliminating fossil-based blister packaging and replacing it with plant-based alternative in 99% of the electronic learning products by 2025.
In order to support circular economy initiatives in its major markets, VTech has engaged in various post-consumer packaging recycling programs in the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Packaging recycling labels such as “How2Recycle” and “On-Pack Recycling” have also been placed on the product packaging of its electronic learning products for consumers’ easy reference.
To encourage post-consumer product recycling, VTech has partnered with leading international recycling companies such as TerraCycle in the US and Electronic Products Recycling Association in Canada. It has also followed the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive in Europe by adding product recycling labels on the product packaging. These recycling programs provide an easy way for consumers to recycle VTech’s electronic learning products in the respective countries.
VTech’s ongoing efforts to develop eco-friendly products and packaging and continuous engagement in various post-consumer recycling programs in the major markets have demonstrated its commitment to the 5-year Sustainability Plan 2025 released on June 5, 2020.
“VTech’s sustainability vision is to create sustainable value for the lives of people and protect the planet for the future generations,” said Dr. Allan Wong, Chairman and Group CEO of VTech Holdings Limited. “We are committed to using sustainable materials in our products and packaging and recycling them in a responsible way, using eco-friendly transportation modes in our supply chain management, increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing the consumption of natural resources in our production process.”
To learn more about VTech’s sustainability efforts and achievements, please visit https://www.vtech.com/en/sustainability/.