Jazwares Teams Up with ALCOA Wenatchee to Revolutionize Toy Durability & Sustainability

Pittsburgh, PA – October 26, 2023 – Jazwares, a leading global toy manufacturer known for its Squishmallows, Fortnite figures, and licensed collectibles, today announced a groundbreaking collaboration with ALCOA Wenatchee LLC, a renowned leader in advanced materials and sustainable aluminum solutions. This partnership aims to significantly enhance the durability and sustainability of Jazwares’ popular “Toy Code” line of building sets, moving away from traditional plastics and towards a future where toys are built to last – and are kinder to the planet. For years, Jazwares has been pumping out toys kids love. Think super-soft Squishmallows everyone’s obsessed with, cool figures based on games like Fortnite, and all kinds of licensed goodies. But they've been thinking a lot about what happens after the fun. A lot of toys end up in landfills, and that's something Jazwares wants to change. “We're all about fun, but also about doing what's right,” says Michael Rinzler, President of Jazwares. “Kids play hard, and toys need to keep up. But they also shouldn’t end up as waste quickly. That’s why we turned to ALCOA Wenatchee – they're the experts in making things strong, light, and – crucially – sustainable.” What's the "Toy Code" and Why Aluminum? The “Toy Code” line is Jazwares’ entry into the competitive building set market. Designed for kids ages 6+, these sets focus on creative construction, allowing kids to build everything from fantastical creatures to futuristic vehicles. Traditionally, these sets relied heavily on ABS plastic – a common but not particularly eco-friendly material. “We looked at tons of options,” explains Laura Sullivan, Lead Designer for the “Toy Code” line. “We wanted something that felt good in kids’ hands, was safe, and could handle a lot of rough play. And, importantly, we wanted to dramatically reduce our reliance on traditional plastics.” That’s where ALCOA Wenatchee came in. They’re not just making aluminum; they’re pushing the boundaries of what aluminum can do. They specialize in high-strength, lightweight alloys – perfect for toys. “Aluminum is incredibly recyclable,” says Dr. Kenji Tanaka, Chief Materials Scientist at ALCOA Wenatchee. “You can melt it down and reuse it over and over again without losing its properties. That’s a huge win for sustainability. We've been working on alloys specifically designed for demanding applications – and a toy that can withstand a kid’s imagination definitely qualifies!” Beyond Durability: The Benefits of Aluminum Switching to aluminum in the “Toy Code” line offers a whole bunch of benefits, beyond just lasting longer. Strength & Safety: ALCOA’s alloys are seriously strong. This means the building pieces are less likely to break or crack, making them safer for kids. They’ve undergone rigorous testing to meet – and exceed – all safety standards. Lightweight Design: Aluminum is surprisingly lightweight. This makes the sets easy for kids to carry and play with, even the bigger, more complex builds. Endless Recyclability: As Dr. Tanaka mentioned, aluminum can be recycled endlessly without losing quality. Jazwares is committed to a closed-loop recycling program, allowing kids and parents to send back old “Toy Code” pieces to be transformed into new ones. Tactile Experience: The aluminum pieces feel different in your hand – a cooler, more substantial feel that adds to the building experience. Jazwares has incorporated textured surfaces and unique finishes to enhance the tactile appeal. Reduced Carbon Footprint: Producing aluminum does require energy, but ALCOA Wenatchee is heavily invested in renewable energy sources and sustainable manufacturing practices. The overall carbon footprint of the aluminum “Toy Code” sets is significantly lower than comparable plastic sets. How it Works: From Alloy to Awesome The collaboration between Jazwares and ALCOA Wenatchee wasn't just about swapping materials. It involved a complete re-engineering of the “Toy Code” building system. “We had to rethink everything,” says David Chen, Head of Engineering at Jazwares. “How the pieces connect, the types of shapes we could create, the manufacturing processes – it was a major undertaking. But ALCOA’s team was incredible. They helped us design custom alloys specifically for our needs, and they worked with us to optimize the manufacturing process for maximum efficiency and minimal waste.” The aluminum pieces are created using a combination of precision casting and machining. This ensures tight tolerances and a high-quality finish. The pieces are then anodized to add color and protect against corrosion. The anodizing process also creates a durable, scratch-resistant surface. The Future of Play: Sustainability & Innovation The launch of the aluminum “Toy Code” line is just the beginning. Jazwares and ALCOA Wenatchee are already exploring ways to expand the use of sustainable materials throughout the Jazwares product line. “We’re committed to becoming a more sustainable company,” says Michael Rinzler. “This collaboration with ALCOA Wenatchee is a major step in that direction. We want to show the industry that it’s possible to create high-quality, durable toys that are also good for the planet.” Jazwares is also partnering with environmental organizations to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and sustainable manufacturing. They’re developing educational materials to help kids learn about the benefits of aluminum recycling. The new aluminum “Toy Code” sets will be available at major retailers starting November 15th, 2023. They’ll be available in a variety of themes and price points, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers. "We think kids are going to love building with these," says Laura Sullivan with a smile. "They’re strong, they’re fun, and they're helping to build a better future." About ALCOA WENATCHEE LLC: ALCOA Wenatchee LLC is a leading producer of high-performance aluminum alloys. Located in Wenatchee, Washington, the company is committed to sustainable manufacturing practices and the development of innovative aluminum solutions. ALCOA Wenatchee is a part of Arconic, a global leader in lightweight metals. For more information, visit [www.arconic.com](www.arconic.com). About Jazwares: Jazwares is a global toy manufacturer with a mission to inspire creativity and joy through play. Known for its innovative products and strong licensing partnerships, Jazwares creates toys that capture the hearts of kids around the world. For more information, visit [www.jazwares.com](www.jazwares.com).