Sustainability Spotlight: Hape

July 29, 2024 | As The Toy Association™ continues to track sustainability trends across the industry, it is highlighting toy companies’ environmental commitments and green initiatives. This week’s Sustainability Spotlight is on Hape.

Hape, a global toy manufacturer known for its educational toys, continues to set the bar higher for sustainability within the toy industry. With firm goals to achieve environmental stewardship, the company pairs sustainable play with its own eco-friendly initiatives.

“Hape Group, grounded in sustainable development, is committed to adhering to the tripartite strategic policy of ‘People, Planet, Education,’” said Peter Handstein, CEO of Hape. “The company is dedicated to creating a positive impact for children, families, and society as a whole. Despite children being just 20 percent of the global population, they represent our entire future. We believe that by creating a sustainable growth environment for them, they will naturally shape their own brilliant future.”

At the center of Hape's environmental efforts is its use of eco-friendly materials. For years, the company has prioritized FSC-certified wood, rice composite materials, fasal (a renewable material made from industrial waste from wood production), bamboo, and other green materials in its toy production. This commitment continues to evolve with the introduction of natural rubber and eco-friendly cork in its products, further expanding its range of sustainable materials.

Not only are the toys themselves sustainable, but Hape has also introduced product lines that teach kids environmental responsibility through engaging stories and practical solutions. The Green Planet Explorers collection, for instance, features animal characters that follow sustainable lifestyles. The Panda’s Bamboo House (pictured) includes solar panels on the roof, Tiger’s Jungle House teaches kids about sorting garbage and recycling, and the Organic Greenhouse introduces the concept of composting.

Hape’s mission extends beyond product design to achieve broader environmental goals. The company has significantly invested in renewable energy, installing more than 20,000 square meters of solar panels in its production facilities to meet approximately one-third of its electricity needs, with a target of achieving carbon neutrality in production by 2030. In tandem with these efforts, the company is aiming for 100 percent of wood used in its toys to be FSC-certified.

By 2030, Hape plans to eliminate plastic packaging entirely, focusing on green materials, simplified packaging design, and promoting recycling. Its strategy includes strengthening supply chain collaboration to encourage the adoption of sustainable packaging across the industry.

In its quest for a greener world, Hape also actively engages employees in sustainability efforts, encouraging participation in activities like tree planting and coastal clean-ups. The company also supports green commuting and digitalization to reduce paper use, further underscoring its dedication to environmental responsibility.

Hape’s unwavering commitment to sustainability is a testament to its core values of “People, Planet, Education.” By integrating these principles into every facet of its operations, the company is not only crafting high-quality, eco-friendly toys, but also paving the way for a greener, more responsible future for generations to come. Click here to learn more about Hape’s eco-friendly initiatives.

To have your company's sustainability efforts and environmentally focused products featured by The Toy Association, contact Maddie Michalik.