It’s not just plastic bags and straws that are being taken out of circulation.

Hasbro has announced that, beginning in 2020, it will be phasing out plastic from new product packaging, including polybags, elastic bands, shrink wrap, window sheets and blister packs. The toy and game company’s goal is to eliminate virtually all plastic in packaging for new products by the end of 2022.

“Removing plastic from our packaging is the latest advancement in our more than decade-long journey to create a more sustainable future for our business and our world,” Brian Goldner, chairman and CEO of Hasbro, said in a press release. “We have an experienced, cross-functional team in place to manage the complexity of this undertaking and will look to actively engage employees, customers, and partners as we continue to innovate and drive progress as a leader in sustainability.”

This is just the latest step in Hasbro’s, which includes brands like Nerf, My Little Pony and Playskool, commitment to environmental sustainability. Over the past decade, the company has eliminated wire ties, added How2Recycle labeling and incorporated plant-based bioPET plastic. Most recently, Hasbro launched a toy recycling program with TerraCycle, in which consumers send their Hasbro toys and games to be recycled into materials to be used in the construction of play spaces, flowerpots, park benches and other uses.

“Reimagining and redesigning packaging across our brand portfolio is a complex undertaking, but we believe it’s important and our teams are up for the challenge,” said John Frascotti, president and COO of Hasbro. “We know consumers share our commitment to protecting the environment, and we want families to feel good knowing that our packaging will be virtually plastic-free, and our products can be easily recycled through our Toy Recycling Program with TerraCycle.”

Hasbro’s announcement is the latest step in the “green wave” sweeping the United States and other countries. A growing number of municipalities, cities and states are considering or actively trying to ban single-use plastic bags.  Ban proponents say the bags present a threat to wildlife and cause pollution. The world produces more than 300 million tons of plastic each year, according to Statista, and scientists estimate that up to 91% of plastic is never recycled, polluting the environment and threatening wildlife.

Legislators and proponents of single-use plastic bag restrictions hope the regulations will encourage consumers to change their behavior and switch to reusable bags for their shopping. That presents potential opportunity for promotional products distributors, who can encourage businesses, nonprofits and other organizations to go green by giving out or selling branded reusable bags like totes.

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