Sustainable toys are a way for brands to showcase their commitment to developing more eco-conscious manufacturing techniques, as well as teaching kids the importance of such practices in the context of the world at large. Recently, a couple of students from the Swiss design school ÉCAL attempted a playful project that saw furniture waste being turned into design-driven, sustainable toys. All of them were part of the institution's Industrial Design Bachelor program.
The range of offerings was diverse—some standouts include "a modernist-style doll's house, a balance bicycle, a wheelie chair, and a cuddly sheep" but there were many more. For source material, the ÉCAL students used rejects and material offcuts from the manufacturing facilities of the Finnish furniture brand Artek.
Furniture Waste-Made Toys
ÉCAL Students Redefine What a Sustainable Toy Is
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Toy Manufacturing - Using furniture waste for the production of toys, as well as adopting similar eco-friendly practices, can change the way toys are manufactured and consumed.
2. Design-driven Waste Reduction - Repurposing manufacturing waste into creative and innovative designs can lead to a reduction in waste production and also provide a new market for sustainable products.
3. Education Through Play - Sustainable toys can also serve as educational tools to teach children about the importance of eco-conscious practices and encourage them to adopt them in the future.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Manufacturing - Furniture manufacturing can integrate waste reduction and repurposing into their processes to create sustainable materials and products.
2. Toy Manufacturing - Toy manufacturers can reduce their environmental impact by adopting sustainable practices such as repurposing waste and using eco-friendly materials.
3. Education - Schools and educational institutions can use sustainable toys as tools to teach children about eco-consciousness and encourage them to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.