Sustainability Spotlight: Radio Flyer

March 7, 2022 | As The Toy Association continues to track sustainability trends in the toy industry, we are highlighting the sustainability initiatives member companies are putting into action. This week’s Sustainability Spotlight is on Radio Flyer, best known for its active play products and iconic Little Red Wagon.

As part of a sustainability review process the company implemented in 2018 to evaluate its products’ environmental impact during their design phase, Radio Flyer is continually reexamining its material choices and product designs to help achieve its carbon neutral goal. From replacing plastic in the wagon body with fabric for its 3-in-1 EZ Fold Wagon and making its Big Flyer Sport bike PVC-free, to incorporating a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery in its Tesla battery-operated ride-ons that also teach kids about the benefits of electric-powered vehicles, Radio Flyer is continuing to seek out environmentally-friendly alternatives for production.

Most recently, the company rolled out its FLYER line of electric bikes and scooters for families looking for greener modes of transportation. The e-bikes feature thoughtful attachments like child seats and cargo carriers.

Radio Flyer has also taken a significant step closer to its goal of 100% carbon-free manufacturing and materials, following the installation of solar panels on the rooftop of its Chicago headquarters in 2020. The PV system is expected to offset more than half of the site’s annual electricity usage, saving the company approximately $50,000 in energy costs each year. The move has also helped reduce carbon emissions of newly developed products by over 565 tons of CO2 as compared to manufacturing at a traditionally coal-powered factory. These steps along with other green design solutions helped Radio Flyer achieve a Platinum Certification for its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

To learn more about Radio Flyers’ ongoing sustainability initiatives and goals, visit radioflyer.com.

To have your company's sustainability efforts featured by The Toy Association, contact Jennifer Lynch for more information.