SSA Group, a best-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 to minimise waste. SSA Group, which runs retail operations at prominent zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural institutions, will support the effort by providing plush recycling stations at 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.”
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 materials that 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 waste reduction.
The Zero Waste Box Program is the latest in a series of initiatives designed to 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 Ventures has become the majority shareholder of Centegra, a leading technology supplier for the hospitality industry. With this acquisition, Centegra will work with SSA Ventures company Cinchio Solutions to offer market-leading digital services packages to the hospitality and multi-use venue industries.
