Sustainability Spotlight

Member Exclusive: Latest Trend Hunter Report Highlights Latest Innovations in Sustainability

4/19/2024
Toy Association members can now access a complimentary new Trend Hunter report that explores the latest innovations in sustainability, specifically looking at companies and brands that are shifting how they produce, package, and market products to reduce consumer guilt around environmental waste.

 

Sustainability Spotlight: Playmobil

4/15/2024
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 Playmobil.

 

Trendspotting: Tech Trends to Watch from CES

1/12/2024
As The Toy Association™ prepares to unveil its 2024 trends in a live press briefing on February 8, it continues to closely monitor what’s happening in parallel industries, such as tech, and gauge how those trends might impact the toy space.

 

Toy Association Addresses Members’ Priorities in Latest Comments on FTC's “Green Guides”

6/14/2023
The Toy Association™ submitted comments that address members’ priorities related to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) "Green Guides," which are currently under review by the agency. As previously reported, The Toy Association gathered feedback from members regarding the use of the term “recyclable” in advertising claims.

 

Sustainability Spotlight: Learning Resources, Educational Insights, & hand2mind

6/1/2023
As The Toy Association continues to track sustainability trends across the industry, it is highlighting members’ environmental commitments and green initiatives. This week’s Sustainability Spotlight focuses on Learning Resources, Educational Insights, and hand2mind.

 

Toy Association Will Address Members’ Priorities in Latest Comments on FTC's “Green Guides”

5/23/2023
The Toy Association™ is preparing to submit comments that address members’ priorities related to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) "Green Guides," which are currently under review by the agency. This specific set of comments will address the use of the term “recyclable” in advertising claims.

 

Toy Association Submits Comments on FTC ‘Green Guides’

4/25/2023
The Toy Association submitted comments on April 24 on the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) “Green Guides,” which are currently under review and will be soon be updated by the agency. Toy manufacturers that label or market toys, games, or other products as environmentally friendly may be impacted by changes to these guides.

 

The Power of Authenticity: How Toy Companies are Promoting Sustainability

4/21/2023
The Toy Association named “Be Authentic” as one of the top toy trends of 2023, reflecting the rise of conscious consumers seeking toys that offer deep play value while supporting companies that are enacting positive change in the world.

 

Sustainability Spotlight: Schleich

2/7/2023
As The Toy Association continues to track sustainability trends across the industry, it is highlighting members’ environmental commitments and green initiatives. This week’s Sustainability Spotlight is on Schleich.

 

Toy Association Advocates for Members’ Interests as FTC Green 'Guides Come' Under Review

2/2/2023
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has extended the public comment period regarding its “Green Guides,” which the agency had voted to update last December, to April 24.

 

FTC to Update “Green Guides” for Marketing Environmental Claims About Products

1/2/2023
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has voted to move forward with updating its “Green Guides,” which will impact any toy manufacturer that markets its toys, games, or other products as environmentally friendly.

 

Free Webinar Offers Guidance on France’s Post-Consumer Toy Disposal Requirements

7/7/2022
The Toy Association encourages all members to receive the latest learning on a new end-of-life requirement for all toys sold in France via an informative, free July 18 webinar hosted by the country’s eco-organization for toys, Eco-Mobilier.

 

Deadline Approaching for New Jersey Recycling Requirement (July 18)

7/5/2022
The Toy Association is reminding companies that do business in New Jersey that they have until July 18 to complete a newly required form for post-consumer recycled content in certain containers and packaging products.

 

Genius of Play’s ‘Play for Good’ Campaign Engages Thousands of Families

6/10/2022
The Genius of Play recently held a successful “Play for Good” social media campaign, reaching over 115,000 families on Facebook and Instagram. Featuring products from 24 Toy Association members, the campaign focused on toys that are sustainably produced, environmentally friendly, and focus on social justice issues.

 

Sustainability Spotlight: Crayola

7/18/2022
This week’s Sustainability Spotlight is on Crayola and its commitment to renewable energy.

 

Sustainability Spotlight: hand2mind

5/17/2022
This week’s Sustainability Spotlight is on hand2mind, best known for its educational toys tackling everything from math to science, literacy, and social-emotional development.

 

What to Know about ICTI Ethical Toy Program's New Environmental Assessment Tool

5/17/2022
ICTI Ethical Toy Program (IETP) announced the launch of a new Environmental Assessment Module to enable climate action for the global toy supply chain. Toy News Tuesday (TNT) editors spoke with IETP’s Head of Business Development, Todd Merton, about the new program and how members of the global play community can take advantage of the tool.

 

New U.S. & UK Tax Regulations Impacting Toymakers

5/9/2022
The Toy Association is alerting members to new tax updates that will impact companies conducting business in the U.S. and the UK.

 

Regulatory Updates: EPA Rulings on PVC Designation and Talc/Asbestos & Other Substance Reporting

5/5/2022
The Toy Association’s external affairs team is continuing to keep members updated on the latest regulatory updates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) impacting the toy and play community.

 

Feature Your Company’s Go-Green Initiatives in The Toy Association’s “Sustainability Spotlight”

5/2/2022
As more and more toy companies reduce their carbon footprint; make the swap to more sustainable materials in packaging and products; participate in toy takeback programs; and educate kids about critical environmental issues, The Toy Association continues to spotlight those in the industry who are making efforts to go green.

 

Sustainability Spotlight: Adventerra Games

1/24/2024
This week’s Sustainability Spotlight is on Adventerra Games, best known for its eco-friendly games for kids.

 

Toy Association Celebrates World IP Day & Youth Innovation

4/26/2022
The Toy Association and its members join the global business community today in celebrating World Intellectual Property (IP) Day (April 26). This year’s theme focuses on IP and youth innovation.

 

Toy Association Shares Eco-Friendly Playthings with Viewers for Earth Day

4/22/2022
It’s never too early to teach kids the importance of sustainability, and The Toy Association celebrated Earth Day this year by highlighting toys from member companies that are helping instill this messaging while reducing their own carbon footprints.

 

Sustainability Spotlight: Melissa & Doug

4/19/2022
This week’s Sustainability Spotlight is on Melissa & Doug.

 

ICTI Ethical Toy Program Helps Foster Sustainable & Responsible Business Practices

4/15/2022
The Toy Association is reminding member companies looking for guidance in assessing the environmental impact and ethical practices of their suppliers to take advantage of the resources from the ICTI Ethical Toy Program (IETP).

 

Latest Trend Hunter Report Offers Guidance on Going Carbon-Negative

4/13/2022
TrendHunter.com’s latest free report for Toy Association members examines new innovations and insights around carbon-negative initiatives, pollution management, and carbon tracking.

 

Sustainability Spotlight: PlanToys

4/12/2022
This week’s Sustainability Spotlight is on PlanToys.

 

The Genius of Play Showcases 24 Companies Promoting a Better World this Spring

4/11/2022
Toys are more than just fun; they can also be tools for the greater good. Now through May, The Genius of Play's “Play for Good” campaign is shining a spotlight on toys that are sustainably produced, environmentally friendly, and focus on social justice issues.

 

FTC Cracks Down on 'Greenwashing' Claims

4/8/2022
As sustainability becomes a growing point of marketing differentiation in the toy aisles, The Toy Association is reminding members that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is continuing to crack down on the misuse of environmental claims, and violators will be fined.

 

Sustainability Spotlight: Lovevery

4/5/2022
This week's Sustainability Spotlight is on Lovevery, best known for its stage-based play kits for infants and toddlers.

 

Sustainability Spotlight: Wild Republic

3/29/2022
This week’s Sustainability Spotlight is on Wild Republic and its range of environmentally focused plush, Message from the Planet.

 

SEC Proposes Changes to Climate Disclosures Rule Impacting Public Companies

3/24/2022
The Toy Association is notifying members that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed changes that would require public companies to disclose the climate-related risks to their businesses as well as their own environmental impact on global climate change.

 

Sustainability Spotlight: Wild Environmental Science

3/22/2022
This week’s Sustainability Spotlight is on the Wild Environmental Science brand, a range of environmentally focused STEM toys created by the Taiwanese toymaker Tree Toys and distributed by Toy Association member company Learning Advantage in the U.S.

 

Free IETP Webinar Offers Insights on Importance of Supply Chain Transparency

3/17/2022
The Toy Association is alerting members to a free ICTI Ethical Toy Program (IETP) webinar, “Improve Supply Chain Transparency Through Worker Insights,” taking place March 23. Toy professionals who are unable to attend the live session can register in advance for access to the recording.

 

Data from The Insights Family Supports 'Toys for Social & Environmental Good' Trend

3/16/2022
When it comes to the topic of sustainability and the environment, products that talk the talk and walk the walk are resonating with consumers across all industries – a top 2022 trend identified by The Toy Association and supported by data from The Insights Family, a global leader in kids, parents, and family market intelligence.

 

Sustainability Spotlight: Shore Buddies

3/15/2022
This week’s Sustainability Spotlight is on Shore Buddies, best-known for its stuffed animals made from recycled plastic bottles.

 

New UN Resolution Takes Aim at Global Plastic Pollution

3/7/2022
The Toy Association is alerting members of a new resolution that aims to forge an international legally binding agreement on global plastic pollution by the end of 2024.

 

Sustainability Spotlight: Radio Flyer

3/7/2022
This week’s Sustainability Spotlight is on Radio Flyer, best known for its active play products and iconic Little Red Wagon.

 

ICTI Ethical Toy Program Offers Tips to Measure Environmental Sustainability in Supply Chains

3/4/2022
Toy News Tuesday (TNT) editors chatted with Carmel Giblin, president & CEO of ICTI Ethical Toy Program (IETP) about simple adjustments toymakers can implement to make their global supply chain more environmentally sustainable and how to get started.

 

Sustainability Spotlight: Crazy Aaron's

2/28/2022
This week’s Sustainability Spotlight is on Crazy Aaron’s, creator of Thinking Putty and other popular play compounds.

 

Feature Your Socially Conscious & Eco-Friendly Playthings in The Genius of Play’s Spring Campaign

2/24/2022
With families looking to be more eco and socially conscious in the products they purchase, The Genius of Play’s upcoming ‘Play for Good’ campaign will promote playthings that are sustainably produced, environmentally friendly, and focus on social justice issues. The promotional opportunity is free and open exclusively to Toy Association members.

 

Sustainability Spotlight: Geomagworld

2/22/2022
As The Toy Association continues to track sustainability trends in the toy industry, it is highlighting the sustainability initiatives its member companies are putting into action. This week’s Sustainability Spotlight is Geomagworld.

 

Toy Association Announces “Sustainability Spotlight”

1/24/2022
With an ever-growing number of toy companies committed to reducing their carbon footprint; using sustainable materials in packaging and products; participating in toy takeback programs; and/or educating kids about environmental issues, The Toy Association will be spotlighting those in the industry who are making efforts to go green.

 

Toy Fair NY Prioritizes Sustainability; Locator Guide Goes Green for 2022 Show

10/26/2021
As part of its ongoing commitment to build an environmentally conscious trade show for all attendees, Toy Fair New York continues to rollout sustainability initiatives to understand and address its impact.

 

New Trend Hunter Report Explores Sustainability, Eco Initiatives & Upcycling

4/13/2021
TrendHunter.com’s latest free report for Toy Association members looks at how brands are diving into the conservation economy – from upcycling waste, to low/zero waste retail and manufacturing.

 

Toy Association’s Matthew Lenz Speaks on Chemicals in Children’s Products at Chemical Watch

10/20/2020
Matthew Lenz, The Toy Association’s director of state government affairs, participated in a roundtable on October 16 during the “Key Regulatory Updates: Europe, Asia and the Americas” virtual conference produced by Chemical Watch.

 

Join Toy Association & EPA for a Discussion about New Chemical Management Rules

10/2/2020
The Toy Association, its members, and other trade associations will participate in a National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) call Tuesday, October 6 to discuss a recently submitted petition to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as next steps for the agency, regarding new risk management rules under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.

 

Most Toy Companies to be Exempt from TSCA Risk Evaluation Fees & Self Identification Rule

4/20/2020
The EPA plans to exempt certain companies from having to pay risk evaluation fees and self-identify as a producer or importer of the next 20 high-priority chemical substances under the TSCA Fees Rule – an issue that The Toy Association has been advocating for on behalf of its members.

 

Spotlight on Sustainability: Q&A with The Toy Association’s Alan Kaufman

3/10/2020
Toy News Tuesday editors spoke with Alan Kaufman, senior vice president of technical affairs at The Toy Association, about the Association’s Smart Packaging Initiative (SPI) Tool and how it can help determine the environmental impact of product packaging designs and improve them.

 

Urgent Industry Issues to be Discussed at L.A. Town Hall Member Meeting

2/3/2020
Come one, come all! Counterfeits, sustainability, retail revolution, China, the future of trade shows, legislation, regulation, and a host of other member-focused issues will be on the agenda at an upcoming Los Angeles-based town hall meeting.

 

Toy Association's Alan Kaufman Appointed to Additional Term on EPA Committee

1/21/2020
Alan Kaufman, senior vice president of technical affairs at The Toy Association, has been appointed by the Environmental Protection Agency to serve another term on the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals.

 

Sustainability in the Toy Aisles: New Trend Hunter Report

1/3/2020
TrendHunter.com’s latest free monthly report for Toy Association members explores trends around sustainability, eco-friendly alternatives, and up-cycling tactics as it relates to toys and play.

 

Spotlight on Toy Fair New York’s Sustainability Mission

7/9/2019
Did you know that Toy Fair New York uses recyclable carpeting for all show aisles, collects used wooden pallets for reuse, and has lowered its electricity consumption by more than 30 percent since 2015? These are just a few of the show’s eco-friendly practices that have led to its status as the “gold standard” in sustainability, according to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, host to Toy Fair and nearly 200 other trade shows, conventions, and other special events each year.

 

Spotlight on Sustainability: A Conversation with MGA Entertainment’s CEO Isaac Larian

6/4/2019
MGA Entertainment Inc. recently kicked off a new free recycling program with TerraCycle, a global leader in recycling complex materials, that will make it easy for consumers to recycle L.O.L. Surprise! products, packaging, and accessories. Once collected, the packaging is cleaned and melted into hard plastic that can be remolded to make new recycled products.

 

Learn More about New Smart Packaging Tool at Toy Fair New York

1/18/2019
Interested in learning more about The Toy Association’s new Smart Packaging Initiative? Toy Fair attendees are invited to a special Toy Fair New York seminar titled, “The Smart Packaging Tool – What It Is and What It Does,” taking place on Saturday, February 16 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. (Hall 1E, Room 1E11).

 

Now Available to Members: Toy Association Launches Smart Packaging Initiative

11/27/2018
The Toy Association’s new Smart Packaging Initiative (SPI) – a free member benefit allowing toy companies to determine the environmental impact of their product packaging designs – is now available online.

 

Innovative Smart Packaging Tool Now Available for All Association Members

10/12/2018
The Toy Association, in partnership with Disney, is unveiling the Smart Packaging Tool – an exciting new member benefit that will allow toy companies to determine the environmental impact of their packaging designs, test alternatives, and benchmark the impact of their designs against those produced by the rest of the industry. The tool will be available to Toy Association members in the coming weeks.

 

Upcoming Webinar to Address New Warning & Labeling Requirements Under California’s Proposition 65

6/5/2018
The Toy Association will hold a webinar on June 28 at 2 p.m. (Eastern) to provide toy companies with an overview of changes and updates to California’s Proposition 65 warning regulations that will go into effect August 30. Registration is now open to all toy professionals.

 

CPSC Approves Final Phthalates Rule

10/20/2017
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted 3-2 along party lines on October 18 to approve a final rule expanding phthalate restrictions applicable to children’s toys and child care articles sold in the United States.

 

TIA Participates in UN Environmental Program Meetings in Brazil

2/28/2017
Toy Industry Association (TIA) staff participated in two UN Environmental Program Meetings in Brazil held recently, meeting with local toy regulators and representatives across various industries to discuss best practices in chemical management programs.

 

EPA Appoints TIA’s Alan Kaufman to Expert Committee that will Advise on LSCA Implementation

1/23/2017
Alan Kaufman, senior vice president of technical affairs at the Toy Industry Association (TIA), has been appointed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to serve on the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC), established under the amended Toxic Substances Control Act (now called the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, or LSCA).

 

ICTI CARE Assists Small Toy Companies in Sourcing Responsibly

11/7/2016
ICTI CARE, an independent, not-for-profit organization that safeguards and improves ethical and sustainability standards in the global toy and entertainment industry supply chain, has launched a new initiative for small businesses that are committed to the ethical sourcing of toys. The new program, called Committed Brands PLUS for Toy Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), provides instant access to ICTI CARE’s searchable database of over 1,300 toy factories, detailed profiles on factories' ethical performance and information about their ICTI CARE certification audits.

 

REMINDER: Chemical Reporting in Vermont to Begin on Jan. 1, 2017

9/29/2016
The Toy Industry Association (TIA) is reminding members and industry stakeholders that chemical reporting for children’s products sold in Vermont will be required beginning on January 1, 2017.

 

ICPHSO International Symposium to Take Place during “Product Safety Week” in EU

8/17/2016
The International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO) will bring together product safety professionals from across industries and global markets to discuss issues of interest to product safety professionals at its International Symposium in Brussels, Belgium on November 14-15, 2016. The event is being held in conjunction with the European Commission’s (EC) International Product Safety Week 2016, which runs through November 18.

 

EPA Issues Final National Rule to Reduce Formaldehyde Vapors from Wood Products

8/1/2016
The Toy Industry Association (TIA) is alerting members that manufacture, import or sell toys comprised of or containing composite wood of a final rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce exposure to formaldehyde vapors from certain wood products produced domestically or imported into the United States.

 

Save the Date: RILA Retail Sustainability & Environmental Compliance Conference

7/21/2016
Hundreds of sustainability professionals from retailers and consumer product companies will gather in Washington, DC this fall to attend the Retail Sustainability & Environmental Compliance Conference 2016, taking place September 27-30.

 

Electronic Products on the Agenda for EU Environment Conference in Washington

5/9/2016
On June 3rd, Europe’s Commerce Department will host its annual EU Environment Conference at the U.S. Department of Commerce building in Washington, D.C. Registration is still open for toy industry professionals who do business in Europe.

 

ICPHSO to Hold Southeast Regional Product Safety Training Workshop

5/5/2016
On June 2nd, ICPHSO will host its southeast regional product training workshop at The Home Depot corporate facility in Atlanta, Georgia. The event is open to all product safety professionals – including regulators, retailers, and manufacturers.

 

ICPHSO 2016 Symposium Offers Glimpses of a ‘Safer Tomorrow’

3/8/2016
More than 750 product safety professionals from around the globe convened at the ICPHSO 2016 Annual Meeting and Training Symposium, in Washington, D.C. from February 29 to March 3. TIA participated in the symposium for the 23rd consecutive year.

 

Toy Fair’s Safety Update Video Now Online

3/8/2016
The 2016 Toy Safety Update, presented February at Toy Fair, is now available online for viewing. Speakers from the CPSC and TIA provided a focused look at important updates to toy safety laws and other emerging legislative and regulatory activities, trends and issues that are pertinent to industry stakeholders.

 

TSCA Advocacy Day Announced by TIA

2/23/2016
On April 13th, TIA will host a day on Capitol Hill dedicated to advocating for passage of Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) reform legislation. All members are invited to participate and the full agenda will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

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