PlanToys Innovation: Stacking Toy Safety

PlanToys has upheld a commitment to sustainability for over 43 years, but we've also prioritized every aspect of toy-making, with safety at the top. Our toys meet rigorous in-house standards and surpass safety regulations worldwide, including European (EN71) and American (ASTM) standards.

Our designers and artisans work closely with parents and child experts to create toys that are not only developmentally appropriate and safe but also durable enough to withstand hours of play for generations. In this blog post, we're sharing insights into our safety testing processes, as well as highlighting one of our most celebrated innovations found in our stacking range: the collapsible inner rod.

General Safety

Safety testing is integral to the process for every toy. Collaborating with child experts, we assess a toy's age suitability by considering developmental milestones alongside part sizes. For smaller toys, we utilize templates resembling a child's mouth size to determine the appropriate age range. Additionally, drop tests are conducted at different heights tailored to the intended age group, ensuring thorough evaluation. Toys are also tested for strength to ensure they withstand hours of play for many generations.

We seamlessly blend design and safety by concealing any visible screws and hardware with non-toxic glue or by integrating them into the toy's design. This not only eliminates the risk of children interacting with metal parts but also enhances the uninterrupted play experience.

Our colors are crafted using water-based paint and organic pigments, ensuring they are safe for children to handle and even chew on. While our paints are safe, we advise caregivers that prolonged chewing may result in paint transfer. However, rest assured, this poses no harm or cause for concern. If the child is at an excessive chewing stage, you may want to opt for toys that are natural wood and have little to no coloring.

Wood Safety

Rubber tree plantation in Thailand

Every aspect of PlanToys is meticulously crafted with safety as our top priority, including our wood treatment and finishes. We responsibly source our wood from rubberwood trees, salvaging them from the latex industry's disposal practices. These trees undergo a three-year period without fertilizer prior to being sent to us, cleansing them of toxins.

We're not FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified due to our use of plantation wood rather than forest wood, we operate in a distinct category by prioritizing sustainable practices.The majority of Southern Thailand is dedicated to agricultural activities, particularly rubber plantations. Rubber serves as a crucial economic crop for the region, making deforestation impractical.

 Processed rubberwood wood being received at our factory in Thailand. All supplies we use come from within a 30KM radius of our factory.

Sensory Tumbling assembly line

After harvesting, the wood undergoes kiln drying, offering numerous benefits such as enhanced durability and the removal of pests and moisture, all without the use of chemicals. Following this, the wood is carefully sanded and treated with water-based lacquer to maintain its natural integrity, ensuring it remains free from harmful toxins.

Tree House parts being made from PlanWood

We also repurpose our manufacturing sawdust by cleaning it and blending it with organic pigments and non-formaldehyde glue. This mixture is then molded under heat to create durable, uniquely-shaped toys, many of which feature in our water play collection, effectively reducing waste and offering eco-friendly alternatives. Below are some PlanToys favorites that incorporate PlanWood:

	Wave Stacker 5M+
	Rainbow Alligator  12M+
	Sea Life Bath Set 6M+

Drawing inspiration from its historical roots in Scandinavian and German design, we've honed the technique of bentwood, enabling us to skillfully shape wood into sleek forms, resulting in a versatile array of toys devoid of sharp edges. Below are some PlanToys favorites that incorporate this technique: 

	Central Station 3Yrs+
	Ramp Racer 18M+
	Musical Set 3Yrs+

Collapsable Wooden Rod

In 2006, we recognized a vital enhancement for stacking toys, pioneering the introduction of the collapsible inner rod in our stacking collection. This innovative feature, secured by a sturdy string, ensures safety in case of accidental pressure. When pressed, it flexes gracefully but swiftly returns to its original state, enabling uninterrupted play.

This durability not only extends the lifespan of the toy but also instills confidence in caregivers, knowing that a child's playtime is accompanied by peace of mind.

Despite these advancements, we strongly advocate for supervised play.

Below is a list of PlanToys that include the collapsable rod:

	Stacking Ring 12M+
	First Stacking Ring - Pastel 12M+
	Stacking Ring - Bear 12M+
	Stacking Ring - Cups 12M+