This article explores the safety of wooden toys produced in these regions, focusing on sustainability and new legislations.
Read on to learn how these factors affect the industry!
One of the most important developments in wooden toy manufacturing industry is the recent European Union regulation against deforestation, passed in December of last year.
Known as the EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation), it prohibits the import of products contributing to deforestation. Among the targeted materials is rubber wood, widely used in Southeast Asia, especially in China, for manufacturing wooden toys.
Starting January 1, 2025, all companies importing products containing wood into the European Union must provide a declaration of compliance with this regulation.
This impacts the wooden toys manufacturing industry, as rubber wood is now under scrutiny. European and American manufacturers, who typically adhere to higher safety and sustainability standards, are enhancing their production practices to meet these new requirements.
When discussing the safety of wooden toys, Europe and America are often seen as leaders in maintaining high standards. Toys produced in these regions must comply with strict regulations, including the use of non-toxic paints and materials free of harmful chemicals. In Europe, the CE certification guarantees that products meet stringent safety standards for children.
Toys manufactured in countries like China can present higher risks due to a combination of factors. One key issue is that production standards in some regions may be less stringent compared to those in Europe and America. This can lead to the use of materials that do not meet the same safety or environmental criteria required in Western markets. For instance, the use of certain chemicals in paints or adhesives, which are banned in Europe, may still be permitted or inadequately regulated in China. As a result, toys imported from these areas may contain harmful substances, posing potential health risks to children.
A significant concern is the use of rubber wood, a material often sourced from plantations in Southeast Asia. While rubber wood is inexpensive and commonly used for manufacturing toys, the sustainability of its sourcing is questionable. Many of these plantations do not adhere to sustainable forestry practices, leading to environmental degradation and deforestation. Illegal logging and unsupervised land use are common issues and, without proper oversight, it becomes difficult to trace the wood's origin and verify its sustainability.
The introduction of the EUDR (European Union Deforestation Regulation) is a major turning point for the European market. This regulation requires manufacturers and importers to provide evidence that the wood used in their products does not contribute to deforestation or come from illegal sources.
It shifts the responsibility onto manufacturers to ensure that their materials are ethically sourced and meet environmental standards. For companies relying on rubber wood from regions with loose regulations, this new requirement poses a significant challenge. They will need to either shift to more sustainable sources of wood or invest in rigorous supply chain management to meet the new European standards. This also adds a layer of complexity for buyers, who must now carefully vet their suppliers to ensure compliance with the EUDR, which will become mandatory by January 2025.
Wooden toys offer many advantages over plastic ones, not only for their aesthetic and durability but also for their lower environmental impact. However, to ensure these benefits, manufacturers must adopt sustainable practices. Companies in the wooden toys manufacturing sector must guarantee the use of wood from responsibly managed forests, certified by organizations like the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).
Additionally, it's crucial that toys are made without toxic chemicals, such as lead or phthalates, which may be present in some paints and adhesives. In Europe, these aspects are strictly regulated, but it is essential that companies importing toys components from other regions carefully verify their suppliers' compliance with local regulations.
The wooden toy market is rapidly evolving, and the demand for safe, sustainable products continues to grow. For manufacturers and companies involved in making wooden toys, staying informed about regulations and adopting responsible practices is essential. Compliance with the new European deforestation regulation and a focus on material safety not only ensure legal compliance but also provide a competitive advantage in an increasingly sustainability-conscious market.
The Minelli Group has been committed to sustainability long before it became a widespread industry standard. In 1999, we were among the first to achieve certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and we are also PEFC certified today.
This reflects our ongoing commitment to ethical manufacturing practices, which we strictly uphold by using only 100% eco-friendly wood sourced from certified forests.
We prioritize full transparency across our supply chain, allowing our customers to trace the origins of every product, from raw material procurement to production, and understand who is involved in the process.
If you are looking for a wooden toys manufacturer that can produce 100% sustainable custom-made wood products, do not hesitate to contact us!