21. Dec 2022
Schleich Figures to be recyclable or biodegradable
The toy manufacturer Schleich (Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany) has set itself the goal of producing its toys more sustainably. "Our goal is to only use sustainable materials. As a first step, all our figures will be recyclable or biodegradable by the end of 2027.
We are also working hard to find recycled or biobased material for the future production of our toys," explains Schleich CEO Dirk Engehausen. Furthermore, and in order to ensure the reuse of resources, Schleich is optimising and certifying its products and packaging according to the principles of the Cradle to Cradle® circular economy by the end of 2027. Among other things, this means that Schleich figures are recycled without any loss of quality. To achieve this, Schleich works closely with the renowned consulting institute and innovation partner EPEA GmbH. The Cradle to Cradle® idea also includes improving the social and ecological impact on production and the supply chain.
The durable and timeless Schleich figures have been passed down from generation to generation for decades and thus have a significantly smaller ecological footprint compared to many other toys. The aim of the new strategy is to minimise this footprint even further. The focus is on four areas: children, toys, the planet and people. The first measurable successes are already visible through the reduction of plastic content in packaging.
Sustainable play has always been firmly anchored in Schleich's DNA. For over 85 years, the company has been producing detailed, high-quality and very durable toys. "Our figures are timeless and have always been passed down from generation to generation. This longevity significantly reduces the ecological footprint of our products," says Dirk Engehausen. "But we cannot be satisfied with that. We are researching long-lasting and resource-saving materials for products and packaging. In as little as five years, our figurines will not only be recyclable or biodegradable, but thanks to the implementation of Cradle to Cradle® principles, we also ensure that Schleich figurines are returned to the product cycle at the end of their lives, so that a Schleich figurine can ideally be turned into a new Schleich figurine made of the same high-quality material. We firmly believe that only with this holistic approach can we contribute to a more sustainable toy industry."
The aim is to transform the entire company and make all areas even more sustainable, from the production of the figures to distribution. Schleich is working with the consulting institute and innovation partner EPEA GmbH, which is supporting the company on the path to having its figures and packaging Cradle to Cradle® certified by 2027.
Schleich will present their latest developments at the bio!TOY 2023 - 21-22 March, Nuremberg - www.bio-toy.info