
Snuggly Success: How ASX Composites is Powering the Next Generation of Squishmallow Plush Toys
Bothell, WA – November 8, 2023 – Everyone’s obsessed with them – those super-soft, incredibly huggable Squishmallow plush toys. But behind the cuteness, there's a surprisingly sophisticated manufacturing process – and a Washington-based company, ASX Composites LLC, is playing a crucial role in making the magic happen. Based right here in Bothell, Washington, ASX Composites (located at 116 223rd St SE, 98021-8317, and reachable at 248-386-3075) isn’t a toy company itself. Instead, they're materials experts. They specialize in creating the stuffing that gives Squishmallows their signature, unbelievably soft feel – specifically, a specialized polyester fiber. It’s not just any polyester fiber; it's engineered for ultimate squishiness, resilience, and long-lasting comfort. What Makes Squishmallows So… Squishable? Let’s be real: there are a lot of plush toys out there. So what sets Squishmallows apart? It’s all about the feel. And that feel comes down to the quality of the fiber used inside. Early plush toys often used basic polyester fibers which, while okay, tended to clump up after a little love, losing their fluffiness. ASX Composites tackled this problem head-on. Their engineers, working closely with the Squishmallow creators (Kellytoy, a subsidiary of Jazwares), developed a unique fiber formulation that’s different. It’s designed to resist clumping, maintain its loft (that fluffy fullness), and provide a consistently incredible soft experience. “We really focused on creating a fiber that would hold up to serious cuddling,” explains a representative from ASX Composites. “Kids love to hug and squeeze their Squishmallows, so we needed something that could take that abuse and still feel amazing wash after wash. We’ve moved beyond basic stuffing; it's a specifically engineered material for the job.” The Science of Squish So, what’s the secret? It's not just what the fiber is made of, but how it’s made. ASX Composites utilizes a specialized manufacturing process that creates a fiber with: Fine Denier: This refers to the thickness of the individual fibers. The finer the denier, the softer the fiber feels. ASX Composites’ fiber is incredibly fine, making it exceptionally soft to the touch. Silicone Coating: A special silicone coating is applied to each fiber. This does a couple of things: it adds to the overall softness and it helps prevent the fibers from sticking together, resisting clumping. Crimping & Texturing: The fibers aren’t just straight. They’re crimped and textured, creating air pockets that increase loft and provide more cushion. Consistent Quality: ASX Composites utilizes rigorous quality control measures to ensure every batch of fiber meets strict standards for softness, resilience, and durability. More Than Just Cuteness: Safety & Durability Of course, when it comes to toys for children (and let’s face it, plenty of adults collect them too!), safety is paramount. The fiber produced by ASX Composites is hypoallergenic and non-toxic, meeting or exceeding all relevant safety standards. But it’s not just about being safe; it's about lasting. Parents want toys that can withstand years of love and play. The durability of ASX Composites’ fiber ensures that Squishmallows remain cuddly and huggable for a long, long time. It's designed to bounce back, even after countless squeezes and snuggles. From Manufacturing to Hugs: The Journey of a Squishmallow The process of getting that perfect Squishmallow into the hands of a happy owner is more complex than you might think. It starts with ASX Composites manufacturing the specialized polyester fiber. This fiber is then shipped to Kellytoy’s manufacturing facilities, where it's: 1. Filled into the Squishmallow’s signature soft, stretchy fabric shell. 2. Carefully stitched and sealed. 3. Inspected for quality. 4. Packaged and shipped to retailers around the world. “We’re proud to be a part of the Squishmallow story,” says the ASX Composites representative. “It’s rewarding to know that our materials are contributing to so much joy and comfort. We work closely with Kellytoy to ensure the fiber meets their exacting standards and that every Squishmallow feels amazing.” Looking Ahead The popularity of Squishmallows continues to soar, with new characters and sizes being released regularly. And ASX Composites is committed to continuing to innovate and provide the high-quality materials that make these plush toys so special. “We’re always exploring new technologies and techniques to improve our fiber formulations,” explains the representative. “We want to ensure that Squishmallows continue to be the softest, most huggable plush toys on the market for years to come.” So, the next time you squeeze a Squishmallow, remember there’s more to it than meets the eye. Behind the cuteness is a dedicated team of materials scientists and engineers at ASX Composites, working hard to deliver the perfect squish.