PlanToys Sustainability: Healthy Hues

PlanToys Sustainability: Healthy Hues

PlanToys Sustainability: Healthy Hues

At PlanToys, our sustainable processes matter just as much as the toys we create. With a commitment to organic pigments and dyes, we ensure that every ingredient is safe for children and gentle on the planet. We're providing a glimpse into our color treatment process, why colorful toys are so special, as well as highlighting some of the most colorful PlanToys in our collection.

Jugs filled with water-based dye at the PlanToys factory
Tubs of water-based dyes in our Thailand workshop. Each tub is separated by color.

Since our founding in 1981, we have remained committed to our values, proving that anything can be done sustainably. While we cherish the natural beauty of wood, we also embrace vibrant colors in our designs, knowing that children love color just as much. We have dedicated ourselves to integrating water-based dyes and organic pigments derived from plants and vegetables into our natural manufacturing process. Our commitment to natural-based colors is also reflected in our use of natural rubber materials.

This approach is vital for our workshop team members as well. Every PlanToys product passes through human hands during manufacturing, making the safety and well-being of our team a top priority as well.

Water-based dye mixture being added to a batch of wooden toys in the PlanToys workshop
Water-based mixture being applied

Why Water-Based Dyes & Organic Pigments Matter

  • The color treatments we use are free from lead and other heavy metals, making them safe for children, even if they chew on them. While excessive chewing may result in paint transfer, the priority of safety is far more significant.

  • These natural enhancements beautifully complement natural wood, carefully blending them in small batches to ensure even color distribution, resulting in vibrant and durable toys.

  • Our commitment to sustainability means that every toy not only brings joy to children but also contributes to a healthier planet for future generations.

 PlanToys Planwood dyes

Assortment of PlanWood Dyes

PlanWood 

PlanWood emerged from our research and dedication to upcycling by using sustainable materials, including reclaimed rubberwood from Thailand's rubber and latex industry. To minimize waste, we sought innovative uses for the excess sawdust generated during toy production. In 2010, our Research and Development team collaborated with Prince Songkla University to develop PlanWood, a new material created from our sawdust. Read this blog for a more in-depth overview of PlanWood. 

PlanToys PlanWood giraffePlanToys Giraffe, made entirely from PlanWood

The PlanWood Process

PlanWood is created by blending organic pigments from natural elements with non-formaldehyde glue. These ingredients are combined and shaped in heated molds, resulting in a solid, durable material akin to baking a cake, but one made to last for generations!

What makes the PlanWood process truly unique is that it enhances, rather than compromises, the color of the dye, resulting in a distinctive speckled appearance. If you're ever uncertain whether an item is made from PlanWood or traditional rubberwood, look for this signature speckling, it’s a clear indicator of PlanWood.

 

 PlanToys 100 Counting Cubes

100 Counting Cubes

Why Colorful Toys Matter

Children are naturally drawn to color as it stimulates their senses and enhances their emotional experiences. Bright, vibrant colors capture their attention, spark creativity, and encourage imaginative play. Color also plays a vital role in helping them learn and recognize patterns, shapes, and emotions.

Color is a powerful element, rich in history and meaning. By curating a diverse collection of colorful toys for a child, you are educating them on the unique benefits that each color offers, enriching their play experience and supporting their development even further!

Explore the unique qualities of each color, knowing that there's a PlanToy to represent them all.

 Red

  • Meaning: Energy and passion.
  • Educational Value: Teaches concepts like warmth, strength, and alertness.
  • Emotion: Excitement or anger.

PlanToys Banjo

Banjo

Orange

  • Meaning: Creativity and enthusiasm.
  • Educational Value: Shows how colors mix (red + yellow).
  • Emotion: Joy and friendliness.
  • PlanToys lion figure

    Lion

    Yellow

  • Meaning: Happiness and brightness.
  • Educational Value: Effective in teaching attention and focus.
  • Emotion: Cheerfulness and caution.
  • PlanToys Yellow Mushroom Kaleidoscope

    Mushroom Kaleidoscope

    Green

  • Meaning: Growth and nature.
  • Educational Value: Perfect for lessons about ecology and life cycles.
  • Emotion: Calmness and balance.
  • PlanToys Stacking Tree

    Stacking Tree

    Blue

  • Meaning: Trust and tranquility.
  • Educational Value: Embraces the beauty of our grandest natural elements such as the sky and water.
  • Emotion: A sense of peace intertwined with sadness.
  • PlanToys Push Along Bunny Blue

    Push-Along Bunny

    Indigo

  • Meaning: Intuition and deep thinking.
  • Educational Value: Explores concepts in art and light.
  • Emotion: Reflective and wise.
  • PlanToys Purple Delivery Truck

    Delivery Truck

    Violet

  • Meaning: Imagination and spirituality.
  • Educational Value: Inspires lessons about culture and expression for all genders.
  • Emotion: Creativity and calmness.
  • PlanToys Birthday Cake

    Birthday Cake


    The Most Colorful PlanToys

    Whether you're a color enthusiast or not, it’s impossible to overlook the influence color has on you. It might inspire you to infuse more color into your home, wardrobe, or even your diet. Color is a part of our lives that reminds us inspiration can be found all around us, whether it’s a flower during a walk or a vibrant block on the floor. Below is a selection of our most-loved PlanToys that celebrate color to the fullest.

    the vibrant colors in our toys do more than just catch the eye, they inspire creativity, promote learning, and foster emotional development in children. We take pride in our sustainable practices and commitment to safety, ensuring that every colorful creation brings joy to playtime while nurturing the planet. 
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