ARCONIC US LLC Partners with Jazwares to Revolutionize Soft Toy Production with Advanced Materials – Introducing Limited Edition Squishmallows

Pittsburgh, PA – October 26, 2023 – ARCONIC US LLC, a leader in advanced materials engineering and manufacturing, today announced a collaborative partnership with Jazwares, a leading global toy manufacturer, to bring a new level of softness, durability, and collectability to the wildly popular Squishmallows line. This collaboration has resulted in a limited-edition run of Squishmallows utilizing ARCONIC’s cutting-edge materials, enhancing the plush experience for fans worldwide. For those unfamiliar, Squishmallows exploded onto the scene a few years ago and haven't looked back. These super-soft, collectible plush toys, known for their unique characters and huggable designs, have become a phenomenon. Fans love collecting them, trading them, and, well, just squeezing them! But Jazwares isn't content to rest on its success; they're always looking for ways to make Squishmallows even better. And that’s where ARCONIC comes in. “We’re really excited about this partnership,” says Sarah Miller, a spokesperson for Jazwares. “Squishmallows are all about comfort and collectability. ARCONIC’s expertise in materials science allowed us to explore new possibilities and elevate the Squishmallows experience to a whole new level.” So, what exactly has ARCONIC brought to the table? It's not just about making the Squishmallows softer – although they are incredibly soft! The collaboration focused on several key areas: Rethinking the Fill: Traditionally, Squishmallows are filled with polyester fiber. While comfortable, it can lose its fluffiness over time. ARCONIC’s team, leveraging years of experience in lightweight materials for aerospace and automotive industries, developed a proprietary fill material – we’re calling it ‘CloudFill’ – using a modified polyolefin blend. CloudFill isn’t just softer to the touch; it’s also more resilient. It bounces back to its original shape faster and holds its fluffiness for longer, meaning your Squishmallows will stay huggable for years to come. “We started thinking, ‘What if we applied our materials expertise to something… softer?’” explains David Chen, a materials scientist at ARCONIC. “We're used to designing materials that withstand extreme conditions, but the challenge of creating something incredibly soft and durable was really exciting. CloudFill is a testament to our ability to innovate across different industries." Enhanced Fabric Durability: Let’s face it, Squishmallows get loved – and sometimes, a little bit roughed up. The team at ARCONIC worked with Jazwares’ fabric suppliers to incorporate a micro-thin layer of a specially formulated polymer into the outer fabric. This doesn’t change the feel of the Squishmallow—it still feels just as wonderfully soft!—but it dramatically increases its resistance to wear and tear. It's like giving your Squishmallow a secret superhero shield! This means fewer rips, fewer tears, and a longer lifespan for your favorite plush pal. “We’ve run extensive testing,” says Chen. “The enhanced fabric is significantly more durable than standard plush materials, even under rigorous stress. It's a small change, but it makes a big difference." Limited Edition Designs & Collectability: This isn’t just about materials upgrades, it’s about creating something truly special for collectors. The limited-edition Squishmallows featuring ARCONIC’s materials are being released with unique designs and exclusive tags. These aren't your everyday Squishmallows! Each one features subtle metallic accents and a special “ARCONIC x Squishmallows” logo, making them highly sought-after collectibles. The initial launch includes five limited-edition characters: Cosmo the Comet: A shimmering silver Squishmallow representing ARCONIC’s aerospace heritage. Bolt the Badger: A rugged, resilient Squishmallow highlighting the material’s durability. Luna the Lamb: An ultra-soft, cloud-like Squishmallow showcasing CloudFill’s comfort. Rex the Raptor: A vibrant, energetic Squishmallow embodying innovation. Coral the Cat: A playful, colorful Squishmallow designed for ultimate cuddles. ARCONIC: More Than Just Metal While ARCONIC US LLC is perhaps best known for its work with aluminum and other metals, this partnership with Jazwares demonstrates the company’s diverse capabilities and commitment to innovation across all industries. Located at 201 Isabella Street in Pittsburgh, PA, ARCONIC has a long history of pushing the boundaries of materials science. From aerospace components to automotive structures, the company has consistently delivered cutting-edge solutions for its clients. "We're constantly looking for new ways to apply our expertise," says John Davis, CEO of ARCONIC US LLC. “This project was a fun and rewarding challenge. It shows that our materials science know-how can improve everyday products and bring joy to people of all ages.” Where to Find the Limited Edition Squishmallows The limited-edition ARCONIC x Squishmallows are available for purchase starting November 15th at select retailers, including major toy stores and online through Jazwares’ website (www.jazwares.com). Due to their limited availability, these Squishmallows are expected to sell out quickly, so collectors are encouraged to act fast. You can also learn more about the collaboration and the materials science behind it at www.arconic.com/squishmallows. Contact: ARCONIC US LLC 1-870-473-6666 [email protected] Jazwares [email protected]