Did you know over 100 Disney stuffed toys across North America now contain recycled materials? In honor of Earth Month, we’re spotlighting this incredible milestone in Disney’s sustainability journey—thanks to the passion and innovation of cast members who brought this eco-friendly vision to life.
Disney Stuffed Toys Go Green
For many children, their very first Disney souvenir is a plush toy. That’s why Disney chose these cuddly companions as a key focus for its sustainability efforts. More than 100 Disney stuffed toys are now made with at least 50% recycled material, helping to reduce waste and support a greener future.
“If you can make a plush toy with sustainability in mind, it’s like you’re supporting their future in a small way,” shared Adriana Hurtado, associate sourcing manager. That sentiment inspired Disney’s teams to work together to make a difference—one plush at a time.
From Waste to Wonder
Instead of relying on raw materials, Disney uses recycled content that would otherwise end up in landfills. After careful sorting, cleaning, and processing, these materials are transformed into soft, durable stuffing. The result? Toys that are both cuddly and kind to the planet.
Bringing these toys to life took serious teamwork. According to Alicia Henderson, senior manager of Merchandising, the goal was always to lead the way in environmentally responsible plush design. And although recycled materials weren’t easy to source early on, Disney persisted.
“We really pushed our vendors to innovate with us,” added Sam Cascio, merchandising manager. Finding the right fabrics required testing, feedback, and constant collaboration.
A Step Toward Disney Planet Possible
This initiative is part of Disney Planet Possible, the company’s broader effort to create a more sustainable future. And it’s only the beginning. As Monty Maldovan from product design shared, “We plan to keep increasing the number of plush made with recycled materials.”
Sarah Allan summed it up best: “We owe it to the planet to do the right thing.”
You can find Disney’s sustainable plush toys at select locations across Disney Parks & Resorts in North America. For more on Disney’s 2030 Environmental Goals, visit impact.disney.com.
