As your kids grow up, it can be hard to find a new home for their old toys. But this week Mattel has announced the PlayBack programme in the US and Canada, where it will recycle old Barbies, Matchbox and MEGA toys and use the materials to make new ones. There is no charge for sending your toys, and people who want to participate can download and print a free shipping label, or order one over the phone. If a success Mattel will expand the range of toys it accepts to its other brands.

The initiative is set to help the company achieve its goal of using 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials by 2030, and it follows on from Mattel's other efforts to become more sustainable. Mattel has already launched two Fisher-Price toys made from bio-based plastics, and next year is set to release the Matchbox Tesla Roadster, its first die-cast vehicle made from 99% recycled materials, which will be carbon neutral-certified.

Mattel is just one of many firms trying to reduce their carbon footprint, cut plastic waste and make their products more sustainable. As pollution from fossil fuels caused 8.7 million deaths globally in 2018 alone, these steps are more important than ever. Click or scroll through to see how some of the planet's biggest businesses are working to change the planet.

All dollar amounts in US dollars unless otherwise stated.