Edtech products go green

Electronic learning product manufacturer VTech has announced the launch of a ‘green’ range for 2021, marking what the company says is a commitment towards replacing fossil-fuel-based plastics with sustainable alternatives by 2030. The range of new releases include eco-friendly products made from plant-based plastics and reclaimed plastics.

The company says it will source materials from responsibly managed forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council for two new wooden toy options.

VTech is also reassessing packaging, with the introduction of sustainable packaging well underway. 94% of existing packaging material is recyclable, including 90% of the company’s cardboard. VTech says it is also committed to eliminating fossil-fuel-based blister packaging and replacing it with plant-based alternatives in 99% of its electronic learning products within the next four years.

In order to support circular economy initiatives in its major markets, VTech has engaged in various post-consumer packaging recycling programs in Australia and New Zealand, the US, Canada and the UK. Products in ANZ feature the Australasian Recycling Label for easy identification and the company is a member of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation, which has a charter to keep packaging material out of landfill.

To encourage post-consumer product recycling, VTech has partnered with leading international recycling companies such as TerraCycle in the US and the 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 their respective countries.

Ongoing efforts to develop eco-friendly products and packaging — along with continuous engagement in various post-consumer recycling programs — demonstrate VTech's commitment to its five-year Sustainability Plan 2025, released in June 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.

“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 efforts and achievements, visit the Sustainability Page on the company's website.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Chinnapong