Since 1970, Earth Day has served as a vivid reminder of the need to protect global ecosystems and biodiversity.
Each year, on the 22nd April, it marks a time to consider the small actions we can all take to play our part.
As families become increasingly eco-conscious, there’s growing demand for brands to create toys that are equally safe for both children and the planet – lasting a lifetime.
Here’s our round-up of the brands that are blending sustainability with creativity – proving that purpose and play go hand in hand…
1. Miffy’s Eco Corduroy range
Beloved children’s character Miffy has a huge range of soft toys built for lasting comfort.
The global icon has taken it one step further with a new ‘Eco’ range of plushies. Handmade, corduroy, and available in multiple sizes and colours, each is stuffed with 100% recycled PET filling. A hop, skip, and a jump for the planet!
Bon Ton Toys produces the plushies to the highest Ethical Production standards. As a B Corp business, the toymakers meet additional social and environmental benchmarks.
2. Child’s Farm
Sensitive skincare brand, Child’s Farm, believes in caring for the natural world – both to protect children and babies, and the planet.
Taking it even further, the B Corp has a solid sustainability story: from being corporate members of Surfers Against Sewage, to steadily reducing plastic across its packaging.
The brand is reaching new audiences, having recently partnered with kids cartoon character Bluey on a range of branded bathtime products.
3. Blade & Rose x WWF
Blade & Rose is known for its quirky children’s clothing, specialising in leggings, socks, and accessories.
In 2019, the brand announced a collaboration with global environmental charity, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), on a collection featuring animals across the globe at risk of extinction: tiger, rhino, panda, sea turtle and elephant.
This also includes a ‘planet protector’ t-shirt, and all designs are made from 100% organic cotton, and zero plastic packaging.
Over the course of the partnership, over £44,000 has been raised – which goes towards initiatives such as anti-poaching patrols.
4. Melissa & Doug
Our longstanding client, Melissa & Doug, sets the prime example of sustainability in toys. Designed for durability, its products foster universal play patterns – meaning they can be passed on from generation to generation.
The UK’s number one wooden toy brand1, M&D is a pioneer in high-quality durable sets, with added educational purposes.
The brand’s ‘One Planet’ pledge involves supporting thriving forests, making timeless toys, and creating an inclusive world. This includes planting 10 million trees by 2030, as well as a commitment to using responsibly sourced, FSC certified paper and wood.
5. Organix
Founded in 1992, Organix is a children’s food brand made from planet-friendly ingredients: organic, nutritious, and free from artificial additives and palm oil.
Keeping gen-b well fed and fuelled!
The B Corp is working towards achieving net zero carbon by 2025 and is already 100% recyclable across all packaging. Additionally, Organix offsets business travel by planting mangrove trees in Kenya – in collaboration with Climate Wise.
This Earth Day, consider brands that nurture the next generation – and the world they’ll inherit.
Interested in working with us? Get in touch…
Source 1: Circana Retail Tracking Service UK, 2024