Alexei Volkov
Matchbox is a well-known brand of small die-cast model cars that first entered the market in the 1950s. Initially, Matchbox models were made entirely of metal, but the brand soon transitioned to using plastic for wheels, windows, interiors, and tyres. Today, Matchbox has committed to environmental sustainability, with plans to use 100% recycled materials for its cars and packaging by 2030. This article will explore the types of plastic used in Matchbox wrappers and the brand's journey towards eco-friendliness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Metal, Plastic |
| Plastic Type | PVC, Polystyrene |
| Decade of Introduction | 1970s |
| Sustainability | 99% recycled materials, carbon neutral product |
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What You'll Learn
Matchbox's sustainability pledge
Matchbox has been a beloved brand for over 70 years, and its toys have inspired children's imagination and play. As the brand moves forward, it is committed to ensuring that its products are environmentally conscious and sustainable.
In 2021, Matchbox announced its pledge to become more sustainable, with a focus on using recycled materials and reducing its environmental impact. The brand aims to use 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastics in its toys and packaging by 2030. This ambitious goal is part of Matchbox's holistic approach to sustainability, which includes re-engineering plastic components, changing product designs, and incorporating recycled materials.
The first product launched under this new sustainability initiative was the Tesla Roadster, made from 99% recycled content, including recycled plastic, zinc, and stainless steel. This toy was also classified as carbon neutral, reflecting Matchbox's commitment to reducing carbon emissions across its operations.
Additionally, Matchbox has introduced zero-plastic packaging for some of its toys, using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper and wood fiber content. The brand has also expanded its representation of electric vehicles (EVs) in its die-cast assortment, reflecting the growing popularity of EVs on the road. Matchbox has also renamed gas stations to fuel stations and included EV charging stations in its playsets, encouraging environmental awareness among children.
Matchbox is dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint and inspiring the next generation to care for the planet. Through its sustainable practices and educational toys, the brand hopes to empower children to create a brighter, more sustainable future.
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![Matchbox Bollinger B2, Moving Parts 4/53 [Black]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71qWqGNMXzL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Plastic wheels
Matchbox is a toy brand introduced by Lesney Products in 1953. The brand was named "Matchbox" because the original die-cast toys were sold in boxes similar to matchboxes. Early Matchbox models were made entirely of metal, including the wheels. However, Lesney soon began to receive complaints about the metal wheels scratching furniture, prompting them to switch to plastic wheels within the first few years of production.
The first plastic wheels introduced by Matchbox were silver in colour, followed by grey and then black wheels. These plastic wheels were used in conjunction with separate disc wheels. In 1968, Matchbox became the biggest-selling brand of small die-cast model cars worldwide, with models featuring plastic windows, interiors, tyres, and accessories.
Over time, Matchbox expanded its product line to include larger-scale die-cast models, plastic model kits, slot car racing toys, and action figures. In the 1980s, they introduced plastic and cardboard "blister packs" similar to those used by other die-cast toy brands. More recently, Matchbox has faced criticism from collectors for using plastic bodies on many models to cut costs, including retooling some models that originally had metal bodies.
In recent years, Matchbox has committed to becoming more environmentally sustainable. They have pledged to use 100% recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastics in all their toys and packaging by 2030. The first step in this direction was the release of the Tesla Roadster, made from 99% recycled materials, including 36.9% recycled plastic. This transition to sustainable materials is expected to be gradual, with the company planning to eliminate plastic from its packaging first.
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Plastic windows and interiors
The Matchbox brand has gone through several changes since its early days, when its models were entirely made of metal and lacked windows or interiors. By 1968, Matchbox had evolved to include plastic components, with the average model featuring plastic windows, interiors, tyres, and occasional accessories. The brand's commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability was further demonstrated by its 2021 announcement to introduce a 1:64 scale Tesla Roadster made from 99% recycled materials. This initiative aligns with Matchbox's pledge to transition to 100% recycled materials for both cars and packaging by 2030.
The inclusion of plastic windows and interiors in Matchbox models marked a significant shift from the brand's early designs. This change was implemented gradually, with the models evolving from their initial metal-only construction. The introduction of plastic components allowed for greater detail and realism in the designs, enhancing the overall appeal of the toy vehicles.
The plastic windows and interiors added a new dimension to the Matchbox cars, providing a glimpse into the imaginary world within. The clear windows allowed children to visualize the driver and the interior cabin, sparking their creativity and encouraging imaginative play. This simple addition of plastic windows and interiors transformed the Matchbox cars from being just metal toys to miniature replicas of real-life vehicles.
The use of plastic in the windows and interiors also presented new opportunities for customization and variation within the Matchbox range. Different colours and textures of plastic could be utilized to create unique designs and themes, expanding the possibilities for play and collection. This versatility of plastic as a material contributed to the brand's success and enduring popularity among children and collectors alike.
While the introduction of plastic windows and interiors enhanced the play value of Matchbox cars, it also presented some challenges. One of the main issues was the durability of the plastic components. Over time, the plastic could become brittle or discoloured, especially when exposed to sunlight or extreme temperatures. As a result, some vintage Matchbox cars with plastic windows and interiors may show signs of deterioration, making them more fragile than their metal-only predecessors.
Despite the challenges, the incorporation of plastic windows and interiors in Matchbox models was a pivotal step in the brand's evolution. It demonstrated Matchbox's commitment to innovation and realism, expanding the possibilities for creative play and fostering a deeper connection between the toys and their young owners. As Matchbox continues its journey towards sustainability, the brand's legacy of adapting to changing times and market demands remains intact.
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Plastic model kits
Tamiya is a well-known manufacturer of plastic model kits, offering a diverse range of military diorama kits in 1/35 scale. These kits depict various military vehicles, weapons, and soldier teams from different historical periods and conflicts. For example, they have kits representing German and US infantry, German 75mm anti-tank guns, and even Star Wars-themed kits like the Darth Vader Science Fiction Plastic Model Kit.
Eduard-Models, Trumpeter, and AMT are also popular manufacturers in the plastic model kit industry. AMT, for instance, specializes in 1:25 scale cars and trucks, while Matchbox, which established its plastic kit division in the UK around 1972-1973, focused on 1:72 scale military aircraft and 1:76 military vehicles. Matchbox kits were known for their distinctive appearance, with parts produced in multiple colours and packaged in colourful boxes with clear windows.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards sustainability in the plastic model kit industry. Matchbox, for instance, has pledged to make all of its cars and packaging from 100% recycled materials by 2030. Their first steps towards this goal include the use of recycled zinc, stainless steel, and plastic in their 1:64 scale Tesla Roadster model, as well as the introduction of EV-themed packs featuring electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Toyota Prius.
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Vacuum-formed PVC
The process of vacuum-forming PVC requires careful control of temperature and sag to achieve the desired results. The recommended forming temperature for PVC is between 115-130°C, which is the elastic state. At 160°C, the PVC enters a plastic state, and at 180°C, it begins to degrade. Experimentation is often necessary to determine the optimal setup for a specific type of plastic.
In the context of matchboxes, vacuum-formed PVC was employed for the sliding inner container of a normal format matchbox dating from the 1970s. The outer slip of the matchbox was made of extruded polystyrene with striking strips of paper attached to either side. This particular matchbox design is part of the Plastics Historical Society (PHS) collection.
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Frequently asked questions
The sliding inner container of a matchbox from the 1970s is made of vacuum-formed PVC, while the outer slip is made of extruded polystyrene.
The outer slip of the matchbox wrapper has striking strips of paper attached to either side.
The plastic in a matchbox wrapper is used to protect the matches from moisture and to provide a smooth surface for the striking strips.
Yes, there are environmental concerns with the plastic in matchbox wrappers, as PVC and polystyrene can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.
