TOYS ENCOURAGE KIDS TO ESCAPE MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY
Plum Play wins
Queen’s Award for International Trade Lincolnshire-based business Plum Play is one of 226 national organisations to be recognised with a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Now in its 56th year, the Queen’s Award celebrates outstanding businesses in four categories: Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity. This year, Plum Play has been recognised with the award for International Trade, which highlights businesses that have demonstrated substantial growth in overseas earnings and commercial success within their sector. The business specialises in outdoor play equipment with a focus on creating products that are sustainable and durable. Established in 1988 by husband and wife team Jonathan and Diane
Schaffer, the company is now run by their son Paul Schaffer, who is managing director. The award is a significant milestone for the company, which has offices in the UK, Hong Kong and Sydney and exports to more than 50 countries. Paul Schaffer said that he was “extremely proud and honoured to receive the prestigious Queen’s Award”. He added: “From launching our first toy over 30 years ago to now, selling to more than 50 countries, it’s been quite a journey! “Plum Play was set up to offer toys that look great, are super safe and have that all-important fun factor. This award is a recognition of all our hard work and will increase opportunities for us to break into new markets and raise further awareness of the brand.”
Mattel focuses on cutting plastic use Mattel has announced a new goal to reduce plastic packaging by 25% per product by 2030. This initiative is featured in the company’s 2021 Citizenship Report, which provides a progress update on Mattel’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy and established goals. They are organised into three pillars: Sustainable Design and Development; Responsible Sourcing and Production; and Thriving and Inclusive Communities; representing the ESG areas where the company believes it can have the greatest impact. Mattel is focused on reducing plastic materials from product packaging, including polybags, window sheets, and blister packs, as part of its packaging strategy and reduction approach.
MAY 2022
Jennifer Lynch, content developer & toy trends specialist at The U.S. Toy Association, looks at hot play trend The Great Play Escape The U.S. Toy Association’s trends team predicts that The Great Play Escape will be one of the hottest toy trends in 2022, with toys that offer both a mental escape through digital worlds as well as travel-ready toys to take on the road. As the Metaverse continues to drive trends across multiple industries in 2022 - including toys - consumers can expect to see more AR/VR technologies in the play space as well as products tied to immersive gaming worlds. And for those that want to stay grounded in the physical world but still seek an escape, there are plenty of options that are travelthemed and ready to take on the go. Here is a sample of the toys and playthings to look out for in 2022: Minecraft Transforming Turtle Hideout Playset and Figures (Mattel) Based on the virtual gaming world, this giant-sized Minecraft Turtle transforms into a multi-level hideout and command base for Steve and his turtle friend. The playset features a giant Turtle’s mouth that opens to reveal a secret entrance and window with changing ocean views. Bluey’s Caravan Adventures (Moose Toys) Kids can pretend to go on a caravan adventure with Bluey’s family and friends and bring the preschool series to life. The playset opens to reveal a second storey and cosy bunk beds as well as a flip-to-reveal kitchen in the back of the van. LEGO Friends Vacation Beach House (LEGO) This modular LEGO Friends set is packed with features and accessories so kids can play out their summer days by the sea. The set boasts a swimming pool as well as scooters and a banana boat for off-site exploring. Tonies (tonies) Kids can escape into storyland by placing their devicecompatible figures on a Toniebox for a screen-free listening experience that includes stories, songs, and more. New for 2022, a Wild Kratts tonie character will let children explore animal-related science concepts and stories of adventure, mystery, and rescue with the Wild Kratts. Be sure to check out The Toy Association’s 2022 Toy Trends Briefing to get the lowdown on the top trends that will be driving global toy sales through the holiday season. Visit www.ToyAssociation.org/trends to learn more.
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