SSA Group, a best-in-class provider of integrated guest services, has collaborated with Aurora, one of its distributors of plush toys, to ensure that the new Mini Flopsies plush collection is more sustainable. The line will only be available at SSA zoo and aquarium gift shops and features 30 different species, including giraffes, elephants, sea lions, sharks and more.
Aurora has removed the plastic pellets in the production of this collection for SSA. In addition, the firm will continue to make sustainable changes to product lines, including using recycled plastics. The total amount of plastic removed from this initial delivery will be around 12,600 lbs.
The Mini Flopsies collection is a custom SSA line, and more animals will be added to the assortment in the future. Plus, plastic eyes will be replaced with embroidered eyes.
A commitment to earth-friendly products
Aurora World, Inc. says: “We know the importance of removing plastics so when we create or recreate any line, we use recycled plastic for the materials and product fill. With many of our lines, we reduce plastic by eliminating or reducing the number of polybags and using recycled cardboard in shipping.
“We also are committed in certain lines to utilizing recycled satin for sewn-in labels, and recycled paper hang tags with water-based coating. In the future, Aurora is investing in removing poly bags and sourcing recycled J-Hook and Dennison plastic tag pins.”
SSA and Aurora have been working in partnership for almost 30 years
“As the retail provider for more than 60 zoos, museums and aquariums, we see it as our responsibility to provide sustainable and earth-friendly products to guests,” says Jacquelyn Sorvillo, chief retail officer for SSA Group.
“We understand the significance of our role in influencing the entire production process through close collaboration with our retail vendors. Together, we have the power to drive transformative change and pioneer sustainable practices within the cultural attraction space.”
This is not the first time SSA has pushed its retail partners for more sustainable products. Last year, the firm announced that it has partnered with Wild Republic to create the Bio Quest toy collection, which features 100% biodegradable products made from bioplastics.
Earlier this month, SSA Group celebrated the fact that two of its recent projects have been recognised at the Shop! Design Awards 2023.
