Hasbro will eliminate the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in its packaging for toys and games by the end of 2012.  The process has already begun, according to the announcement.  

The move away from PVC is the latest in a series of steps Hasbro is taking to improve the environmental impact of its packaging.  In 2010, Hasbro eliminated wire ties, replacing them with paper rattan or bamboo mix, eliminating 34,000 miles of wire ties.  Hasbro also set a goal to have 75% of its paper and board packaging from recycled material by 2011, and seeks to move that goal to 90% by 2015. 

Hasbro’s biggest customer cheered the move.  Walmart SVP of toys and seasonal merchandising Laura Phillips said, “As Hasbro builds upon its industry leadership position in environmental sustainability and product safety, we are hopeful that all industry players will adopt similarly ambitious goals.”