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

PITTSBURGH, PA – ARCONIC US LLC, a leading provider of advanced materials and manufacturing solutions, today announced a strategic collaboration with Kellytoy, a subsidiary of Jazwares, to elevate the quality and collectibility of Squishmallows limited edition plush toys. This partnership leverages ARCONIC's expertise in lightweight alloys and precision manufacturing to introduce innovative material enhancements for these incredibly popular collectibles. For those unfamiliar, Squishmallows – those irresistibly soft, marshmallow-like plushies – have taken the world by storm. Launched in 2017, they’ve quickly become a cultural phenomenon, coveted by collectors of all ages. The limited edition versions, especially, are incredibly sought after – think rare finds, special colorways, and unique character designs. But the team at Kellytoy is always looking for ways to push the envelope – to make these already popular plushies even more desirable. That's where ARCONIC comes in. “We saw a really interesting challenge – how to make something already incredibly soft and huggable, even more special,” explained Sarah Miller, Senior Materials Engineer at ARCONIC US LLC. “Kellytoy wanted to explore ways to not only enhance the visual appeal of limited editions, but also to add a tactile element, a ‘wow’ factor that goes beyond just softness.” Traditionally, limited edition Squishmallows rely on fabric variations – different textures, special embroidery, unique embellishments. ARCONIC, however, proposed a more radical approach: incorporating specially formulated, ultra-lightweight aluminum alloys within the plush’s core structure. “It sounds a little crazy, right? Aluminum in a plush toy?” laughed David Chen, Product Development Manager at Kellytoy. “But ARCONIC wasn’t talking about stiff, metal chunks. They developed these incredibly thin, flexible alloys – almost like fabric themselves – that could be seamlessly integrated into the Squishmallow’s internal structure.” The initial focus has been on two key areas: Enhanced Shape Retention & “Sculpting”: Limited edition Squishmallows often feature more complex designs and postures. ARCONIC’s alloys provide an internal "skeleton" that helps maintain these shapes, even after repeated squeezing and cuddling. Imagine a Squishmallow posed mid-air, or with a particularly dramatic expression – the alloy structure helps it hold that pose. “We’re essentially creating a subtle internal framework,” Miller explained. “It’s not rigid, but it provides just enough support to keep the character looking exactly as intended.” Dynamic Color Effects & “Glow” Technology: ARCONIC’s team also developed a unique process for anodizing the aluminum alloy in vibrant, custom colors. These colors can be layered and manipulated to create stunning visual effects, including shimmering gradients and even a subtle “glow” in the dark. “We’re talking about color that isn’t just printed onto the fabric,” Chen emphasized. “It’s embedded within the material, so it won’t fade or peel.” The team is experimenting with phosphorescent alloys that literally glow in the dark, creating limited edition Squishmallows that are truly magical. Beyond the Feel – Durability and Collectibility: While the focus is on enhancing the tactile and visual experience, ARCONIC’s materials also contribute to the overall durability of the Squishmallows. The alloy structure provides added protection against wear and tear, making these limited editions more likely to withstand years of love and affection. This increased durability also enhances their collectibility – preserving their value for dedicated enthusiasts. The First Limited Edition Collaboration: “Astro” the Galactic Squishmallow The first limited edition Squishmallow to feature ARCONIC’s technology is “Astro,” a celestial-themed plush designed to celebrate the summer solstice. Astro features a vibrant, multi-layered anodized aluminum core that creates a stunning, shimmering effect reminiscent of a nebula. His internal structure allows him to maintain a dynamic, "floating" pose, making him a standout piece for any Squishmallow collection. He also incorporates a phosphorescent alloy that causes his “stars” to glow softly in the dark. “We’re incredibly excited about the potential of this collaboration,” said Maria Rodriguez, Director of Marketing at Jazwares. “ARCONIC’s innovative materials allow us to push the boundaries of what’s possible with Squishmallows, creating truly unique and collectible plushies that our fans will adore.” Looking Ahead: ARCONIC and Kellytoy are already exploring new applications for advanced materials in future Squishmallow limited editions. These include: Shape-shifting Squishmallows: Utilizing shape memory alloys to create Squishmallows that can change their form with a simple squeeze. Interactive Squishmallows: Integrating sensors and microelectronics into the plush’s core to create Squishmallows that respond to touch and sound. Personalized Squishmallows: Developing custom alloy cores that can be engraved with personalized messages or designs. “This is just the beginning,” Miller concluded. “We’re committed to working with Kellytoy to explore the full potential of advanced materials in the world of plush toys. Our goal is to create Squishmallows that are not only incredibly soft and cuddly, but also innovative, collectible, and truly special.” ARCONIC US LLC, located at 201 Isabella Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, can be reached at 870-473-6666. For more information on the Squishmallows limited edition collaboration, visit [website placeholder] or follow @Squishmallows on social media.