News
5/4/2009 12:00:00 AM
Dorel Juvenile Group USA Launches Safety 1st® Nature Next™ Collection
Innovative Products Take
Eco-Conscious Parenting Solutions to the Next Level
The launch is a natural extension of DJG USA’s green initiatives. As an example, the Company’s Tiny Footprint® tread lightly from birth™ program encourages its stakeholders to factor long-term environmental sustainability into their decision making processes. From a corporate level this has meant everything from promoting recycling amongst employees to converting the entire Columbus, Indiana plant into a zero landfill facility that recycles over 99% of its plastic manufacturing waste. As the largest juvenile products manufacturer, DJG USA recognizes the opportunity to lead the industry in eco-conscious business practices. DJG USA’s goal with the Safety 1st Nature Next collection is to bring eco-conscious products within the reach of every consumer.
“Dorel is proud to introduce the Safety 1st Nature Next collection,” said Vinnie D’Alleva, EVP Business Development at Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc. “We recognize the need – and our customers’ desire – to make products that help keep children safe and healthy, but with a view to maximizing the environmental benefits. We are also pleased to bring the collection to retail at an accessible price point that all parents can appreciate.”
The Nature Next™ collection features the following eco-conscious materials:
Bamboo: A quick-growing and renewable resource, bamboo is able to rapidly replenish itself making it a great alternative to traditional woods. In addition, bamboo can thrive with little water and does not require the use of fertilizers or pesticides, further reducing its environmental impact.
Recycled plastic: Use of recycled plastic decreases the dependence on fossil fuels while maintaining the same durability and quality as virgin plastic products.
Bio-plastic: The latest technology in alternative plastics, bio-plastic incorporates renewable plant resources like corn and tapioca in place of fossil fuels. The starches used in the Nature Next collection’s items are all plant byproducts, not crops that could otherwise be used as a food source.
Theline currently includes a Bamboo Booster Seat, Bamboo Gate, Bio-Plastic Infant-to-Toddler Bathtub, Bio-Plastic Booster and Bio-Plastic 3-in-1 Potty. A Bio-Plastic Step Stool and 100% Recycled Plastic Gate will be available in July. Prices range from $6.49 for the Bio-Plastic Step Stool to $22.99 for the Bamboo Gate. They will be available at retailers including Wal-Mart, Target,Babies R Us and shop.safety1st.com. Product will be available at Wal-Mart and on shop.safety1st.com in May and at Target and Babies R Us in late summer.
Safety 1st has also unveiled a new website to celebrate the launch. The site, http://naturenext.safety1st.com, provides further information about the products and the eco-conscious materials used. It also includes parent-friendly interactive elements which include a virtual eco-conscious home tour, an eco-conscious quiz and several articles on eco-living.
In addition to Safety 1st, DJG Inc. designs and distributes products under the Cosco® Juvenile, Quinny®, Maxi-Cosi® and Eddie Bauer®-licensed brands.
About Dorel Industries
Dorel Industries Inc.
(TSX: DII.B, DII.A) is a world class juvenile products and bicycle
company. Established in 1962, Dorel creates style and excitement in equal
measure to safety, quality and value. The Company’s lifestyle leadership
position is pronounced in both its Juvenile and Bicycle categories with an
array of trend-setting products. Dorel’s powerfully branded products include Safety 1st, Quinny, Cosco, Maxi-Cosi and
Bébé Confort in Juvenile, as well as Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose and
SUGOI in Recreational/Leisure. Dorel’s Home Furnishings segment
markets a wide assortment of furniture products, both domestically produced and
imported. Dorel is a US$2.2 billion company with 4700 employees,
facilities in eighteen countries, and sales worldwide.
Media contacts:
Amy Bagner
Duffy & Shanley, Inc.
(401) 274-0001, ext. 437
abagner@duffyshanley.com
Dorel
Juvenile Group USA Media Line
(508)
216-1944
