# Recycled Play Parents begin to prefer recycled, eco-friendly versions of traditional toys. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Sep 8, 2014 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/recycled-play ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.0/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Recycled Play trend? **Recycled Play:** Looking to instill a responsible mindset regarding consumption early on, parents are opting for recycled and upcycled toys. Many products in this category are made by independent artists, which denotes a preference for more authentic goods with a back story. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 27, 2013 to Sep 4, 2014 - Published: Sep 8, 2014 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Gen Z - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Recycled Play trend ### Eco-Friendly Toys Parents are opting for recycled and upcycled toys, encouraging the production of green toys and facilitating the rise of the circular economy. ### DIY Cardboard Playsets Recycling cardboard and promoting DIY options in toys and crafts offers an opportunity to save money while fostering creativity and innovation in children. ### Scented Stationaries Manufacturers are using natural and eco-friendly materials to offer a range of unique stationary items such as scented pencils and markers, catering to consumers' sensory needs while promoting sustainable production processes. ## What the Recycled Play trend means for industry ### For Toy Industry The rise of eco-friendly toys and DIY cardboard playsets promote the circular economy, fostering creativity, and innovation in children, and present cooperation opportunities to get environmentally-friendly toys lineups. ### For Art and Stationary industry Manufacturing natural and eco-friendly materials offers endless opportunities to develop unique stationary items like scented pencils and markers, satisfying consumers' sensory needs while providing sustainable production solutions. ### For Circular Economy Reusing materials to create new products, such as upcycled crayons or cardboard playsets, not only helps to preserve the environment but also marks the rise of new business models for the sustainable future of the planet. ## Trend signals for Recycled Play Trend score 3.0 out of 10, from popularity 43%, activity 38%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 43% - Activity: 38% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Recycled Play trend 5 featured examples from Nov 27, 2013 to Sep 4, 2014. - [DIY Arctic Cardboard Playsets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-cardboard-toys): Mr. Printables' Templates Make Cute Recycled Cardboard Toys (Category: Eco) Implication: Creating eco-friendly and interactive toy playsets for children. - [Romantically Recycled Crayons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heart-shaped-crayons): These Heart-Shaped Crayons are Perfect for Valentine's Day Drawing (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Innovating craft-making with sustainable materials and one-of-a-kind designs. - [Upcycled Mint Tin Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mint-tin-toy): Etsy User WishWithMe Turns Altoid Tins into Toys with Felt (Category: Eco) Implication: The toy manufacturing industry can explore innovative ways of upcycling materials like Altoid tins to create unique and eco-friendly toys. - [Cardboard Culinary Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocorico-cooker): The Cocorico Cooker is the Starter Kitchen for Your Future Cooks (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The toy manufacturing industry can capitalize on the trend of eco-friendly toys by designing and producing sustainable, recyclable toys like Cocorico Cooker. - [Stimulating Scented Pencils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scented-pencils): Take Wonderfully Scented Notes with This Collection of Yummy Supplies (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a range of scented office supplies beyond pencils, such as scented paper, pens, and markers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) ## Trending in Eco - [Backpack-Sized Folding Scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blizwheel-f05) - [Aftermarket Cyclist Motor Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asus-oxiis-e250g1) - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Sustainability-Focused Brand Progress Reports](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/performance-summary) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)