Earth911 Podcast: Pam Gill-Alabaster on Mattel’s Sustainability Strategy & Cultural Influence

Pam Gil-Alabaster, Global Head of Sustainability and Social Impact at Mattel, maker of Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels, American Girl dolls, and more than 150 other brands of toys. She shares how Mattel works to eliminate manufacturing waste and replace virgin plastic in its packaging with recycled and recyclable plastics. The company has pledged to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% compared to its 2019 emissions as soon as 2030. Pam also explains how Mattel designers use sustainable design practices, including responsible sourcing and production processes. In 2021, launched Mattel PlayBack, a free recycling program for some of its toy brands currently available in the U.S., Britain, Germany, France, and Canada.

Mattel’s most important effort may be designing toys that influence kids to embrace responsible environmental practices. Playing at sustainable living can create lifelong habits. Mattel pioneered toy designs that support inclusive communities with diverse and environmentally responsible play, such as Barbie Loves the Ocean, made from recycled ocean plastic, and the Matchbox CarbonNeutral Tesla Roadster. You can learn more about Mattel’s sustainability programs at corporate.mattel.com/sustainable-design-and-development.