"From Jobs to Plastic Pollution: How Mattel's Move to China in the 1950s Impacted American Workers and the Environment"

Introduction

The 1950s marked a significant period of growth for the toy industry, with many iconic toys and brands emerging during this time. One such brand was Mattel, a company that has become synonymous with dolls and other children's toys. In this blog post, we'll explore Mattel's early years in the 1950s and examine why the business moved to China. 

Mattel was founded in 1945 by Ruth Handler and her husband Elliot. The company started as a small venture creating picture frames, but Ruth's entrepreneurial spirit led her to explore new opportunities. In 1955, Mattel introduced its first major product, the Barbie doll, named after Ruth's daughter Barbara. Barbie quickly became a cultural phenomenon and cemented Mattel's place in the toy industry. In the 1950s, Mattel faced stiff competition from other toy manufacturers, such as Hasbro and Ideal. 

To stay ahead of the competition, Mattel continued to innovate and release new products, such as the Chatty Cathy doll and the Hot Wheels line of toy cars. Despite the success of its products, Mattel faced challenges in production costs. The cost of producing toys in the United States was rising, and Mattel needed to find a way to reduce costs while maintaining quality. 

In the 1960s, Mattel made the decision to move its production to Japan, where labor costs were lower. However, the move to Japan was not without its challenges. Mattel struggled to find reliable manufacturers and faced issues with quality control. 

The move to China in the 1960's

To overcome these issues, Mattel eventually moved its production to China, where labor costs were even lower, and the manufacturing industry was more developed. The move to China proved to be a smart business decision for Mattel. The company was able to reduce its production costs significantly, which allowed it to invest more in research and development and expand its product lines. 

Today, Mattel remains a major player in the toy industry, with its products sold in more than 150 countries. In conclusion, Mattel's success in the 1950s can be attributed to its innovative products and entrepreneurial spirit. The company's move to China in the 1960s was a strategic decision to reduce production costs and maintain competitiveness in the toy industry. 

While the move to China had its challenges, it ultimately allowed Mattel to continue to grow and expand its product lines, cementing its place as one of the most iconic toy brands in the world. 

How the move to China affected jobs in the USA

The decision to move Mattel's production to China had a significant impact on jobs in the United States. As manufacturing jobs moved overseas, many American workers found themselves without work. The shift to cheaper labor in China was a trend that affected many industries, not just the toy industry. The loss of manufacturing jobs had a ripple effect on the economy, as communities that relied on these jobs for their livelihoods were impacted. In the case of Mattel, the move to China meant that the company no longer relied on American workers to produce its products, leading to the closure of factories and layoffs. 

However, it is important to note that the decision to move production to China was driven by market forces. As competition in the toy industry intensified, companies like Mattel needed to find ways to reduce costs and maintain competitiveness. For many companies, moving production overseas was seen as a way to achieve these goals. Despite the impact on American jobs, the move to China allowed Mattel to continue to grow and expand its product lines. The company was able to invest in research and development and innovate new products that would not have been possible if it had remained solely reliant on American manufacturing. 

Moving back to the USA

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of companies moving their manufacturing operations back to the United States, driven in part by rising labor costs in China and a desire to support domestic manufacturing. However, for many companies, the decision to move production overseas is still a necessary step to remain competitive in a global market.

Moving to China led to more plastic pollution

 

In addition to the impact on jobs, Mattel's move to China also had a significant environmental impact. As the company ramped up production in China, it generated a large amount of plastic waste from the production of its iconic dolls. Unfortunately, much of this plastic waste ended up in landfills and oceans, contributing to the growing global problem of plastic pollution. A significant amount of this plastic waste was made up of discarded Barbie dolls and other toys made by Mattel. In fact, according to a 2018 report from Greenpeace, Mattel was among the top three worst plastic polluters in the world. The report found that the company produced over 17,000 tons of plastic waste each year, much of which ended up in landfills or was dumped into the ocean. The environmental impact of Mattel's plastic waste has been felt across the globe, as discarded toys and other plastic items continue to accumulate in oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems. 

The long-term consequences of this pollution are still not fully understood, but it is clear that action needs to be taken to address the issue. In recent years, Mattel has taken steps to reduce its plastic waste and improve its environmental impact. The company has set ambitious goals to increase the use of recycled materials in its products and packaging and has committed to achieving 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials in all of its products and packaging by 2030. Overall, the impact of Mattel's move to China on the environment has been significant, with many tons of plastic waste ending up in landfills and oceans. While the company has taken steps to address the issue, it is clear that more needs to be done to address

the growing problem of plastic pollution. 

Plastic dolls contribute to plastic pollution that is why rag dolls are a better choice

Plastic dolls in general contribute heavily to plastic pollution, not just Mattel's dolls. Plastic toys never really break down.  Wood toys are preferable, and in my case I make rag dolls, which can be shredded at the end of their life cycle and made into other products. 

"From Rags to Personalized Riches: The Evolution of Rag Dolls and the Rise of Photo Rag Dolls"

The evolution into photo rag dolls

Lidia's Dolls Photo
Doll with Pink Hair

Since the last blog post, a new trend in rag dolls has emerged - photo rag dolls. These unique dolls feature the face of the customer on the doll, creating a one-of-a-kind toy that is both personalized and special.

Photo rag dolls are typically made by printing a photo of the customer's face onto fabric, which is then cut and sewn onto the doll's head. The rest of the doll is made from traditional rag doll materials, such as scraps of fabric and yarn.

The popularity of photo rag dolls has grown in recent years, with many companies offering this service for a fee. Customers can submit a photo of themselves or a loved one, and receive a custom-made rag doll that is both fun and sentimental.

Photo rag dolls make great gifts for special occasions such as birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. They can also be used as keepsakes, providing a tangible reminder of a special person or moment.

While sales figures for photo rag dolls are not readily available, it is clear that this trend has captured the hearts of many. With the continued popularity of rag dolls and the growing interest in personalized gifts, it is likely that photo rag dolls will remain a popular choice for years to come.

History 

 Rag dolls have been a beloved toy for children worldwide for centuries. These handmade dolls, typically made of scraps of fabric and yarn, have a long and fascinating history. In this blog post, we will explore the evolution of rag dolls from their early origins to the present day, and take a closer look at the top brands and sales figures.

Rag dolls can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Greece, where dolls made from rags, cornhusks, and clay were popular toys for children. In the 18th century, rag dolls became popular in Europe, particularly in England, where they were often made from scraps of old clothes and bits of wool. These dolls were simple in design, with embroidered faces and basic clothing.

Victorian Era  Rag Doll

During the 19th century, rag dolls became more sophisticated, with the addition of hair, facial features, and detailed clothing. The popularity of rag dolls increased in America during the Victorian era, where they were often handmade by mothers and grandmothers for their children.

In the 20th century, rag dolls evolved to reflect changing styles and trends. In the 1920s and 1930s, rag dolls with flapper-style dresses and bobbed hair became popular. In the 1950s and 1960s, rag dolls were often designed to look like popular TV characters, such as Howdy Doody and Raggedy Ann.

Today, rag dolls continue to be a popular toy for children around the world, and there are many top brands that produce high-quality rag dolls. Some of the top brands include:

1. 

   Carolle Rag Doll 

   
   Corolle: Founded in France in 1979, Corolle produces high-quality rag dolls with lifelike facial features and realistic clothing. The brand is known for its attention to detail and has a loyal following among collectors.

2. 

   Kathe Kruse Rag Doll 

   
   Kathe Kruse: Founded in Germany in 1911, Kathe Kruse produces handmade rag dolls using natural materials such as cotton, wool, and silk. The brand is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and has a long-standing reputation for producing some of the best rag dolls in the world.

3. Cuddle + Kind: Founded in Canada in 2014, Cuddle + Kind produces handmade rag dolls using sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing practices. The brand is known for its whimsical designs and donates a portion of its profits to provide meals to children in need.

Sales figures for rag dolls vary depending on the brand and the market, but the toy industry as a whole has seen consistent growth in recent years. According to Statista, global toy sales reached $90.4 billion in 2020, with the United States being the largest toy market in the world.

In conclusion, rag dolls have a long and fascinating history that spans cultures and centuries. From simple designs made from rags to sophisticated, high-quality dolls produced by top brands, the popularity of rag dolls has endured for generations. With the toy industry continuing to see growth, it is clear that rag dolls will remain a beloved toy for children around the world for years to come.

"Diving into the Fascinating Doll History: From American Girl to Barbie and the Woman Behind the Iconic Doll"

 Doll making is a fascinating art form that has been prevalent in various cultures throughout history. In America, doll making has evolved over time, and two of the most well-known dolls in American culture are American Girl and Barbie dolls. In this blog post, we will delve into the history of doll making in America, with a particular focus on American Girl and Barbie dolls.

Early Doll Making in America

The earliest American dolls were made by European immigrants in the late 18th century, and these dolls were often made of cloth or wood. However, the first commercially produced dolls in America were made in the mid-19th century by the German immigrant company, the Schoenhut Piano Company. These dolls were made of wood and were known for their high quality and durability.

The popularity of dolls continued to grow, and in the early 20th century, dolls made of composition (a mixture of sawdust, glue, and other materials) became popular. In the 1950s, dolls made of hard plastic became the norm, and these dolls were produced on a massive scale. One of the most iconic dolls of this era was the Barbie doll, which was introduced by Mattel in 1959.

The Rise of American Girl Dolls

In 1986, Pleasant Rowland, a former schoolteacher, founded the Pleasant Company, which later became known as American Girl. Rowland had noticed that there were few dolls on the market that reflected American history and culture, so she set out to create a line of dolls that did just that.

The American Girl dolls were unique in that they were accompanied by books that told stories about the lives of the dolls and their historical eras. The dolls themselves were made to be high quality and durable, with realistic hair, clothing, and accessories. The first American Girl doll, Kirsten, was introduced in 1986, and the line quickly became popular.

Today, American Girl dolls are still popular, and the line has expanded to include a wide range of dolls, books, and accessories. In 2019, American Girl reported sales of over $500 million.

Lidia's Dolls makes dresses for the American Girl 18" sized dolls. This is a standard size for other similar dolls, like Our Generation and others. The size of the doll is the same as our rag doll, so the dresses we make are interchangeable.

The Enduring Popularity of Barbie Dolls

Barbie dolls have been a cultural icon for over six decades. Created by Ruth Handler, one of the founders of Mattel, the Barbie doll was introduced at the New York Toy Fair in 1959. The doll was an instant success, and by the end of the first year, over 350,000 Barbie dolls had been sold.

Over the years, Barbie has undergone many changes and transformations, reflecting the cultural and societal changes of the time. Today, Barbie is still one of the most popular dolls in the world, with sales of over $1 billion annually.

Biography of Ruth Handler, the inventor of the Barbie doll.

Ruth Handler was born Ruth Mosko on November 4, 1916, in Denver, Colorado. She was the youngest of 10 children born to Polish-Jewish immigrants. Ruth's father died when she was just a child, and her mother struggled to support the family. Despite these challenges, Ruth was a bright and ambitious student and excelled in school.

After graduating from high school, Ruth attended the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, where she met her future husband, Elliot Handler. In 1939, Ruth and Elliot, along with their friend Harold "Matt" Matson, founded a small business called Mattel Creations. The company initially produced picture frames, but soon expanded into making dollhouse furniture.

In the 1950s, Ruth and Elliot noticed that their daughter, Barbara, often played with paper dolls and imagined herself in different roles. This observation inspired Ruth to create a three-dimensional doll that could represent different careers and lifestyles. She named the doll after her daughter and called her Barbie.

The Barbie doll was unlike any other doll on the market at the time. She had a slender figure, long blonde hair, and was dressed in fashionable clothing. Ruth believed that the doll could inspire young girls to think about their own futures and aspirations.

The Barbie doll was introduced at the New York Toy Fair in 1959 and was an instant success. The doll quickly became a cultural icon and has remained popular for over six decades. Ruth continued to work for Mattel for many years and became the company's first female executive.

In addition to her work with Mattel, Ruth was also a breast cancer survivor and an advocate for women's health. In 1977, she co-founded the Ruth R. Handler Research Center at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California, which focused on breast cancer research and treatment.

Ruth Handler passed away on April 27, 2002, at the age of 85. She left behind a legacy as a trailblazing businesswoman and an innovator in the world of toy design. The Barbie doll continues to be a cultural touchstone and a source of inspiration for generations of children around the world.

Conclusion

Doll making has a rich history in America, and two of the most iconic dolls in American culture are American Girl and Barbie dolls. While both dolls are very different in terms of their design and marketing, they have both endured as cultural touchstones for generations of children. Whether it's the realistic historical storytelling of American Girl dolls or the ever-evolving fashion and pop culture of Barbie dolls, these dolls continue to capture the imagination and inspire creativity in children and adults alike.