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SSA Group launches Zero Waste Box Program with Wild Republic

Initiative will encourage the recycling of plush toys and promote environmental education

SSA Group Zero Waste Box Program
Rebecca Hardy
By Rebecca HardyOct 09, 2024 1 min read
Rebecca Hardy
Rebecca Hardy has over 10 years' experience in the culture and heritage sector. She studied Fine Art at university and has written for a broad range of creative organisations including artists, galleries, and retailers. When she's not writing, she spends her time getting lost in the woods and making mud pies with her young son.
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SSA Group,abest-in-class provider of integrated guest services, has announced a collaboration with Wild Republic, a worldwide leader in environmentally friendly, realistic plush toys and educational products, to launch The Zero Waste Box Program at six SSA partner locations across the US.

The project reflects Wild Republic and SSA Group's shared dedication to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and caring for the planet. Its first locations include Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Houston Zoo, Oakland Zoo, Dallas Zoo, Columbus Zoo, and Brookfield Zoo Chicago.

Responsible plush toy recycling

The Zero Waste Box Program promotes responsible recycling of unwanted or unneeded plush toys in order tominimise waste. SSA Group, which runs retail operations at prominent zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural institutions, will support the effort by providing plush recycling stationsat selected attractions.

Jacki Sorvillo, chief retail officer for SSA Group, says: "We’re excited to bring a new, fun program to our partners that will encourage recycling education for visitors and help reduce waste."

SSA Group Zero Waste Box Program display

The Zero Waste Box Program invites visitors to donate unneeded plush toys to participating SSA Group retail outlets. Toys will be collected and transported to TerraCycle, a leader in recycling hard-to-recycle materialsthat repurposes and diverts materials from landfill.

The initiative is set to expand beyond the initial locations based on consumer response and participation. In addition, Zero Waste Box Program locations will benefit from educational campaigns to promote recycling and wastereduction.

The Zero Waste Box Program is the latest in a series of initiatives designedto reduce the environmental impact of Wild Republic's products.

Doug Snider, global impression director for Wild Republic, says: "As part of our broader sustainability efforts, Wild Republic has already implemented various eco-friendly practices in its production processes, including the use of recycled materials and non-toxic dyes."

Earlier this month, SSA Group announced that its partner entity SSA Ventureshas become the majority shareholder of Centegra, a leading technology supplier for the hospitality industry. With this acquisition, Centegra will work with SSA Ventures companyCinchio Solutionsto offer market-leading digital services packages to the hospitality and multi-use venue industries.

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Rebecca Hardy
Rebecca Hardy
Rebecca Hardy has over 10 years' experience in the culture and heritage sector. She studied Fine Art at university and has written for a broad range of creative organisations including artists, galleries, and retailers. When she's not writing, she spends her time getting lost in the woods and making mud pies with her young son.
See Full Bio

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