ARCONIC US LLC Partners with Kellytoy to Revolutionize Squishmallows Limited Editions with Advanced Material Science

Pittsburgh, PA – October 26, 2023 – ARCONIC US LLC, a leading provider of advanced materials and manufacturing solutions, today announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Kellytoy, the creators of the wildly popular Squishmallows plush toys. This partnership isn't about just making cute stuffies – it's about how they’re made, and how we’re taking limited edition Squishmallows to a whole new level of squish, durability, and collectibility. You’ve seen Squishmallows. Everyone has. Those unbelievably soft, huggable plushies that have taken the world by storm. But with demand soaring, especially for those really special, limited edition drops, Kellytoy needed a partner who could help them consistently deliver a premium feel and keep up with the need for innovative materials. That’s where ARCONIC comes in. “We're not a toy company,” explains Sarah Miller, ARCONIC’s VP of Business Development. “We’re a materials science company. We make things better. Kellytoy came to us with a challenge – how to take already amazing Squishmallows and make the limited editions feel truly… special. And that’s what we do – make things feel special.” Beyond the Fluff: The Science of Squish For those who think plush toys are just about fluff, think again. The feel of a Squishmallow isn’t just down to the filling. It’s a complex interplay of the outer fabric, the filling material, and how those two interact. Traditionally, Squishmallows have used incredibly soft polyester fibers. But for limited editions, Kellytoy wanted to explore textures and feels that went beyond the standard. ARCONIC’s team, drawing on decades of experience in aluminum alloys, advanced polymers, and materials processing, didn't start with metal. They started with understanding what makes a Squishmallow so appealing. “We analyzed the existing materials, looked at the stress points, and considered how people actually use these toys,” says Dr. David Chen, ARCONIC’s lead materials scientist on the project. “It’s not just about being soft; it’s about being durable enough to withstand tons of hugging, squeezing, and travel. And for limited editions, we needed to add a premium, almost luxurious feel.” Introducing ARCONIC’s "SoftTouch" Polymer Blend The result of this collaboration is a new, proprietary polymer blend developed by ARCONIC, dubbed "SoftTouch." This isn’t just polyester. It’s a specially formulated material that boasts several key advantages: Enhanced Softness: Through precise molecular structuring, SoftTouch feels significantly softer than traditional polyester, offering a truly luxurious touch. Think cloud-like. Increased Durability: The polymer blend incorporates micro-reinforcements that significantly improve tear resistance and abrasion resistance. No more worrying about those little seams coming undone. Improved Color Retention: Limited edition Squishmallows often feature vibrant, unique colors. SoftTouch helps these colors stay brighter for longer, even with repeated washing. Textural Variety: The material is highly adaptable, allowing Kellytoy to create a wide range of textures, from ultra-smooth velvet-like finishes to subtly ribbed surfaces. Sustainable Sourcing: ARCONIC is committed to responsible manufacturing. SoftTouch utilizes a percentage of recycled materials, minimizing its environmental impact. What This Means for Squishmallow Collectors So, what does all this science mean for you, the passionate Squishmallow collector? It means the next generation of limited edition Squishmallows will be the most premium, most collectible, and most huggable yet. “We’re talking about Squishmallows that don’t just look special, they feel special,” says Kellytoy’s Head of Product Development, Emily Carter. “ARCONIC’s expertise has allowed us to push the boundaries of what’s possible with plush toys. We can now create incredibly detailed textures, vibrant colors that last, and a level of softness that’s simply unmatched.” The first limited edition Squishmallows featuring ARCONIC’s SoftTouch polymer blend are set to launch in November, with a focus on holiday-themed characters. Early previews show incredibly detailed designs, including plush “snowflakes” woven directly into the fabric and a velvety-soft “frost” effect. “We’re not just making Squishmallows; we’re creating experiences,” Carter adds. “And ARCONIC is helping us deliver those experiences at the highest possible level.” Beyond Plush: The Future of Soft Goods While this collaboration initially focuses on Squishmallows, ARCONIC sees broader applications for its SoftTouch polymer blend. The company is already exploring opportunities to utilize the material in other soft goods, including bedding, apparel, and even automotive interiors. “We believe SoftTouch has the potential to revolutionize the entire soft goods industry,” says Miller. “It’s a material that delivers unparalleled comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal. And we’re excited to partner with innovative companies like Kellytoy to bring that potential to life.” About ARCONIC US LLC: ARCONIC US LLC, located at 201 Isabella Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, is a leading provider of advanced materials and manufacturing solutions. The company specializes in the development and production of high-performance aluminum alloys, titanium, and advanced polymers. ARCONIC serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, packaging, and consumer goods. For more information, please visit [insert hypothetical website here]. Contact: 870-473-6666. About Kellytoy: Kellytoy is a leading global manufacturer of plush toys and collectible figures. Known for its innovative designs and commitment to quality, Kellytoy has created some of the most beloved plush characters in the world, including Squishmallows.