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The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Aramark debuted a Build-An-Ecokin station at the front of the zoo’s main gift shop that invites guests to make plush souvenirs entirely from recycled plastic materials.
Guests can pick one of three plush skins — tiger, elephant and gorilla — all made from recycled materials by Wild Republic. A retail team member then helps the guest fill the plush with recycled filling materials at the station. Each plush skin is made with approximately 12 recycled plastic water bottles, and each plush features filling that is made of four recycled plastic water bottles.
The zoo partnered with Unifi Repreve to collect recycled plastic from a local material recovery facility that could be turned into recycled filling for plush. For the plush skins, the zoo turned to another northeast Ohio-based company, Wild Republic.
“Wild Republic and Cleveland Zoo both have commitments to conservation and sustainability. This was a great way for two local companies to help the Cleveland area and the planet,” says John Wilde, key account manager at Wild Republic.
Teddy Mountain, a wholesale vendor that develops build-a-plush machines, built the custom filling machine.
The Build-An-Ecokin station debuted in late April, and it’s been a fun draw for guests that also gives back to the environment.
“Guests of all ages are excited about having an interactive experience at our gift shop and the opportunity to learn more about recycled materials used in the creation of their plush,” says Patti Cunningham, Aramark Sports + Entertainment’s general manager of retail.
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