We often find ourselves wishing to relive the joy of childhood, especially if it meant playing with incredible sustainable toys! This sentiment encapsulated the spirit of the discussions at BioTOY 2025. This event gathered a select group of experts from companies, NGOs, and associations focused on supporting the transition towards more sustainable toys.
The ISC3 Strategic Alliances Team participated to highlight the role of Sustainable Chemistry in this transformation, showcasing examples such as the “ChemSelect” initiative. Here are our key takeaways:
The use of biological materials presents a promising avenue for reducing dependency on fossil fuel-based plastics within the toy industry. However, it does not guarantee inherent sustainability. The discussions acknowledged the need for further innovation and incentives to ensure this transition integrates into a competitive, pollutant-free and functional circular economy, one that does not leave behind environmental or social legacies that are equal to or worse than those created by fossil-derived plastics.
While certification systems aim to promote informed consumer behavior, they can inadvertently lead to confusion among consumers (and suppliers) amidst a maze of labels and information. Current developments towards digital product passports could enhance transparency for all market players. It's crucial for stakeholders to engage in discussions and debates to advance this objective.
Efforts to increase transparency, traceability, and information for industries, consumers, and regulators will fall short if our daily products are neither safe nor sustainable. As Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Klaus Kümmerer aptly stated, “There is no such thing as a free meal” emphasising the complexity of the transition away from fossil dependence across various sectors of our economy. Adjusting one variable can necessitate changes throughout the entire value chain. Transitioning to sustainability is a complex task that requires extensive collaboration across all value chain and a holistic vision of being "safe and sustainable by design."
We were inspired by the efforts of a group of young innovators who, in just 12 weeks, succeeded in substituting PVC with a more sustainable (and profitable!) option. Additionally, the vision of an Italian family businessman who recognizes that sustainability will be the DNA of his future profits illustrates that change is possible!
Let us embrace this momentum towards sustainable play and work collectively to create a future where children can enjoy toys that are not only fun but also kind to theirs and our planets health.
