Supporting sustainability in toys and packaging

We recognise the need for toy manufacturers to work to reduce their environmental impact. Our members are committed to having a positive impact on the planet and show this ongoing commitment through initiatives to reduce waste by making changes to product design, supporting increased reuse of toys to extend their longevity, and exploring toy recycling projects.

We want to help all businesses, large and small, to reduce any negative environmental impacts of their business. To do this we have created four new guides produced exclusively for BTHA members by environmental design consultants Beyondly. These practical guides outline best practice and design considerations for both sustainable toy packaging, and toy product design and reuse.

BTHA Environmental Sustainability Design Guides

Published April 2024

Sustainable Packaging Design Guide
Quick Tips for Sustainable Packaging
Circular Product Design Guide
Quick Circular Product Design Tips

Consumer Advice

When we look into the impact of toys on the environment, we also look into the life of a toy. Toys are a relatively unique consumer good as they are often reused, passed on or stored away compared to other product categories due to their considerable emotional and sentimental value. We have commissioned two consumer surveys looking at toy reuse. In the latest 2019 study, 75% of people said they passed on toys to family and friends when they finished playing with them. As in the previous study, parents said they would pass on more toys if there was easy access to places that accepted them, if toys were more durable and if they had more information about where and how to pass on toys safely.

Extending the life of toys through reuse enables toys to circulate for longer which has a positive impact on the environment. To help consumers pass on more toys, we have created our top tips to help consumers pass toys on safely.

Top tips when passing on toys
Top tips on receiving second-hand toys