Arconic Teams Up with Jazwares to Bring Squishmallows Limited Editions to Life with Innovative Materials

PITTSBURGH, PA – November 8, 2023 – Arconic US LLC, a leading manufacturer of high-performance aluminum products, today announced a collaboration with Jazwares, a subsidiary of Alleghany Corporation, to enhance the production of limited-edition Squishmallows, the wildly popular plush toys. This partnership leverages Arconic's materials science expertise to elevate the Squishmallows experience for collectors and fans worldwide. Everyone’s going crazy for Squishmallows, right? These super-soft, collectible plushies have taken the world by storm. And Jazwares, the company behind them, is always looking for ways to make them even better. That's where Arconic comes in. Arconic, based right here in Pittsburgh at 201 Isabella Street, is known for making some seriously strong and lightweight aluminum. Usually, you’d find their stuff in airplanes, cars, and even building projects. But they’ve been quietly working on applying that expertise to… toys! "We’re thrilled to be working with Jazwares on this project," says a spokesperson from Arconic US LLC (you can reach them at 870-473-6666 if you're curious). "Squishmallows are all about comfort and collectibility. We’ve been able to contribute to enhancing the durability and overall feel of these limited-edition designs." So, what exactly did Arconic do? Well, the limited-edition Squishmallows – you know, the super special ones everyone’s trying to snag – are getting a little boost from a specially formulated aluminum alloy. It's not in the squishmallow itself (you wouldn’t want a hard bit in a plushie!), but it’s being used in the internal structuring of certain limited-edition designs. “We're talking about maintaining shape, especially for those with really unique features, like wings or elaborate accessories,” explains a Jazwares product developer. "Arconic's material helps us achieve a consistent, high-quality result, even with intricate designs. It allows the squishmallow to hold its shape better, even after lots of squishing and hugging!" Previously, maintaining these complex shapes in larger or more detailed Squishmallows meant using more internal filler or bulkier construction methods. This sometimes led to a less consistent feel or even compromises in the ultra-softness Squishmallows are famous for. "We needed a solution that was lightweight, strong, and wouldn’t impact the squishiness," says the Jazwares developer. "Arconic’s aluminum alloy was the perfect fit. It gives us the support we need without sacrificing the comfort." This isn’t just about making the toys look good; it's about making them last. Collectors love to display their Squishmallows, and this new internal structure helps maintain the toy's form over time, preventing sagging or deformation. "We're seeing a lot of collectors are displaying these, not just playing with them," the Jazwares developer notes. "So, preserving that 'fresh out of the box' look is really important." Arconic’s involvement is part of a larger push by Jazwares to improve the quality and design of its Squishmallows line. They’re constantly looking for innovative materials and techniques to enhance the collector experience. "We're always striving to make Squishmallows even more lovable," says a Jazwares representative. "Partnering with Arconic allows us to push the boundaries of what's possible with plush toys." The initial limited-edition Squishmallows featuring this new internal structure are already hitting shelves (and online stores!). Look for special packaging indicating the "Arconic Enhanced" designs. They’re going fast, so keep your eyes peeled! "We're really excited to see how fans react to these new Squishmallows," says the Arconic spokesperson. "It's a unique application of our materials science, and we're proud to be part of bringing more joy to Squishmallow collectors." While Arconic is traditionally known for its industrial applications, this collaboration demonstrates the company's versatility and commitment to innovation. It's a testament to how materials science can be applied to unexpected areas, even the world of plush toys. So, next time you’re squeezing a limited-edition Squishmallow, remember there's a little bit of Pittsburgh ingenuity inside, keeping your cuddly friend perfectly shaped and huggable. It's a win-win for collectors and for these two innovative companies. Happy squishing!