Q&A with Playper

Playper’s debut product, the Curious Kingdom Playset, which launched just recently in November of 2022.

Sustainability is a talking point that is thankfully garnering more and more attention in recent years. As an industry rich with creative minds who have their ngers on the pulse of culture, toys are o en at the forefront of new and innovative ideas. ese ideas, in turn, end up as drivers of wider culture, by educating and entertaining generations of future grown ups, (or “very very big kids” as we like to call them). Enter Playper, a young company founded by parents with professional backgrounds in a multitude of industries, who are looking to make a big impact with a small carbon footprint. In their own words, “Playper is a purpose-driven company that rst and foremost considers its responsibility to the world. Delivering a fantastic product that wows, educates, and fosters creativity for kids through toys that are better for the planet runs core to everything we do.” We had the very lucky opportunity to connect with Mr. Webb Knudsen, CEO of Playper, and ask him a few questions about the folks behind Playper, what drives the company, and how it feels to be a early rising star in the industry.

Q.) Who are the minds behind the company?

A.) We are a team of children’s entertainment experts with a passion for toys, storytelling and interactive learning. While our founders come from big names like Disney, Lucas lm, and Net ix, we launched this little company to create an amazing kids toy that was also good for the planet. We also happen to be parents and know rst-hand that balancing screen time can be a challenge, which inspired us to launch a product that blends imaginative play with technology and educational entertainment experiences.

Q.) Where did the idea for starting Playper come from?

A.) Our team was inspired to make high quality, premium toys that also have a positive impact on the planet and don’t create the plastic waste commonly seen around children’s products. Not only is Playper environmentally friendly, but we also spark children’s imagination and make learning fun with a healthy mix of augmented reality. As a team of parents, our primary focus has always been making toys that children nd fun, and parents can feel good about. From that focus came the launch of our rst product, the Curious Kingdom, an open play world where a child’s toy comes alive through their own imagination, and the associated Curious Kingdom app that leads them through animated content with interactive stories, learning games, music, and hidden surprises.

Q.) What would you say are Playper’s ethos and mission statement?

A.) Playper is a company that rst and foremost considers its responsibility to the world. Delivering a fantastic product that wows, educates, and fosters creativity for kids through toys that are better for the planet runs core to everything we do.

Q.) Playper has met with accolades and early success thus far. How does Playper plans to keep that strong momentum going?

A.) We couldn’t be prouder of the praise and recognition we’ve received thus far, such as a 2022 World Changing Ideas Award before our rst product even launched! Seeing the joy and enthusiasm from both kids and parents once the Curious Kingdom Playset launched only increased our never-ending passion to introduce fun and planet-friendly toys to the world. As for the future, the Curious Kingdom is only the beginning of Playper. We are always exploring new and exciting ways to reach our core consumers whether that be new characters, expanded storylines and playsets, licensed partners, or increased retail presence beyond Playper.com.

Q.) Are there any upcoming products or partnerships you’d like to share with us?

A.) To align our team goals of protecting the planet along with our own gi -giving practices, we decided to “talk the talk, and walk the walk” and make a pledge to go #PlasticFreeUnder eTree last holiday. We launched this initiative to help families and gi -givers nd planet-friendly gi s, from toys made of renewable resources to ideas for experiences. We hope to expand the initiative this holiday season and invite other eco-friendly brands to branch out and join our cause. Be sure to stay tuned and keep an eye out for Playper this year, you never know where we may pop up!