Plastic toys: Cheap or do you go for recycled?
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Plastic toys are made of a lightweight material that is easy to clean and can be made into different shapes. There are different types of plastic toys available, such as dog toys, light-up toys and animal-shaped toys.
The toys that parents hate most are often noisy plastic toys, such as cheap toy robots with batteries, big loud toy vacuum cleaners or musical toys with only a few different sounds and only one volume level, loud.
But plastic toys can also be great because they can last a long time and are safe to play with.
Toy storage bins are the most popular because they provide a convenient way to store toys and keep them from getting dirty. Toy animals and toy dinosaurs are among the most popular types of plastic toys.
Plastic toys can be made from different materials, such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). However, green toys, such as bioplastics, recycled materials and upcycled toys, are gaining popularity and can be a good alternative to wooden or other plastic-free toys.
Most plastic toys cannot be recycled and end up in the landfill.
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Buy at Bol.comWhat we discuss in this comprehensive post:
What are the most popular types of plastic toys?
Plastic toys are popular with parents because they are cheap and sometimes more realistic than other materials. It can be easily molded into any shape and sometimes has flashing lights and sounds to keep your child occupied.
The most popular types of plastic toys are the following.
- Plastic toy boxes or storage bins
- Plastic toy animals
- Plastic toy dinosaurs
- Plastic army toys like soldiers
- Plastic kitchen toys
- Plastic food toys
- Plastic toy cars
- Plastic gear toy
- BPA-free plastic toys
- Plastic toys for dogs
There are cheap choices, but toys made from recycled material or bio-plastic are all a bit more expensive, toys such as the sustainable brands below.
Best toys made from bio-plastic
BiOBUDDi is just like Duplo and LEGO, but makes the blocks from the unusable remains of sugar cane. The entire product is made of bioplastic.
Best toys made from recycled plastic
These beautiful and durable stacking cups offer what is known as 'open-ended play'. Eco-conscious, these 6 cups are made from 100% recycled plastic milk bottles.
Sustainable toys provide ecological, social and economic benefits.
#1 Plastic toy boxes or storage bins
Plastic toy boxes or storage bins are useful storage solutions for toys. They are made of plastic, a material that offers many advantages for storage as it is durable and can withstand knocks, making it suitable for storing toys that are often used.
Plus, plastic is easy to clean, making it ideal for storing toys that can get dirty. The smooth surface of plastic prevents dirt and stains from sticking, so the toy boxes or storage bins always look neat.
#2 Plastic toy animals
Plastic animals are toy animals made of plastic. The most popular plastic animals are elephants, fish, sharks and horses. Plastic is a useful material to make these animals from because it is durable and easy to keep clean.
Overall best toy animals for toddlers
Suitable from 1 year old to discover the magic of magnets in a safe and super fun way while playing with their favorite animals.
Best exotic animal toys
It's a great way to get a good mix of blocks, special pieces, food, and unique animals.
#3 Plastic toy dinosaurs
Plastic toy dinosaurs are small replicas of dinosaurs that are made of plastic. Plastic is a useful material to make these toy dinosaurs because it is durable and easy to shape. It is also lightweight, making it easy for children to play with.
In addition, plastic is easy to clean, which means the toy dinosaurs last a long time and remain hygienic.
Best dinosaur toy for 4 year olds
The set comes with two figures, two dinosaurs, a net shooter, a rock wall and other accessories. You can unfold the briefcase and use it as a play mat to explore the mysterious island.
Most realistic dinosaur toy (5 years)
An extremely simple toy, but one that we think should not be missing in the dinosaur collection of the enthusiast.
#4 Plastic army toys like soldiers
Plastic army toys such as toy soldiers are useful. First, plastic is lightweight, making the toy soldiers easy to move and carry. Secondly, plastic is durable and can take a beating, meaning the toy soldiers will last a long time, even with rough play.
Best RC tank
The tanks are equipped with counters that keep track of the number of hits. After 4 accurate shots, the battle is won and the lost tank cannot move for 30 seconds.
Best toy soldiers
A complete playset with soldiers, vehicles and buildings with fences to create a battlefield.
#5 Plastic kitchen toys
Plastic kitchens are toy kitchens made of plastic. Plastic is a useful material to make these kitchens from because it is durable, lightweight and easy to keep clean. It is also safe for children to play with as it has no sharp edges.
In addition, plastic can be molded into different colors and shapes, making it possible to create attractive and realistic kitchens. The use of plastic in kitchen toys also makes them affordable and accessible to a wide audience.
Best plastic toy kitchen
A complete set with light and sound and a lot of activities while still keeping it cheap.
#6 Eating plastic toys
Plastic food toys are toys that look like food and are made of plastic. Plastic is a useful material for making these toys because it is durable, lightweight and easy to clean. It can also recreate detailed shapes and colors, making the playing experience more realistic.
Best plastic toy food
Very complete set of food toys with vegetables, fruit, snacks, sauces and packets.
#7 Plastic toy cars
Plastic toy cars are small cars made of plastic. Plastic is a useful material for making these cars because it is lightweight and durable so they can easily carry them around and play with them very fairly roughly.
Best big toy truck
It's one of the toughest toy cars I've ever seen. Bruder is expensive, that's for sure. But it is also really quality.
Best activities
Take it apart with the screwdriver. The best activity is the garbage arm that can actually lift the 3 included garbage cans.
#8 Plastic gear toy
Plastic gear toys are toys that consist of gears made of plastic. Plastic is a useful material for making these toy gears for several reasons. Firstly, plastic is lightweight and easy to handle, making it easy for children to play with.
In addition, plastic is durable and can withstand a blow, so the gears do not break easily while playing. In addition, plastic is easy to clean, meaning the gears remain hygienic even after frequent use.
Best cause and effect gears for 2 year olds
Gears always have something magical for a small child. That's why the Melissa & Doug Caterpillar is so educational.
Best gear toy for 5 year olds
The educational technology set from Learning Resources makes it possible to assemble robot constructions and set them in motion.
#9 BPA-free plastic toys
Concerns have been raised about the potential health risks of exposure to BPA, especially in young children, as it is considered an endocrine disruptor.
BPA-free plastic toys is generally considered safer than plastic toys that contain BPA. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in some plastics to make them harder and more durable.
Best sensory toys without BPA
Your baby can explore and connect with real world objects, which leads to a high play value.
#10 Plastic toys for dogs
Plastic toys for dogs are durable, safe and specially designed to meet the needs of dogs. It is made of sturdy plastic material that can withstand the chewing and biting of dogs. Plastic toys are available in different shapes and sizes, such as balls, chew toys and puzzles.
Plastic is a useful material for making dog toys for several reasons. First, plastic is durable and will last a long time, even with heavy use. It can withstand the powerful jaws of dogs and remains intact, making the toy last longer.
In addition, plastic is easy to clean, which is essential for the hygiene of the toy. It can be easily rinsed or wiped with a damp cloth to remove bacteria and dirt.
What type of plastic is used for toys?
According to the 2014 UNEP report “Valuing plastics”, the toy industry uses 40 tons of plastic per $1 million in sales and is the most plastic-intensive industry in the world. 90% of the toys on the market are made of plastic.
The types of plastics used for toys are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC) and polyester (PET).
These plastics have different properties and are used for different parts of toys, depending on the desired strength, flexibility and durability. It is important to look for labels and certifications when purchasing toys to ensure they are free of toxins and meet safety standards.
Toys and toy packaging often end up in landfills as plastic waste. Green plastic toys use recycled materials, bio-plastics and upcycling.
It is important to distinguish between hard and soft plastic toys and their impact. LEGO uses durable ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) for optimal grip and strength.
Peter Fantke from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) led an international study assessing the chemical composition of toys and children's exposure to these substances. They identified 126 substances that could be harmful, both in terms of cancer and non-cancer effects. This includes plasticizers, flame retardants and fragrances.
Although many countries ban the most harmful substances, especially toys intended for children under 3 years of age that children still put in their mouths, regulation varies worldwide, with insufficient protection against harmful substances.
The safest plastic numbers on the recycling symbol are 2, 4 and 5, while 1, 3, 6 and 7 should be avoided. Important to know: all plastic can leak harmful substances when heated or damaged.
Polyethylene toys
Polyethylene is a commonly used plastic material that is considered an important polymer. It is a good choice for toys because it is a thermoplastic material, which means it can be easily shaped and cleaned. It is also durable and strong, making it suitable for building toys that will last a long time.
In addition, polyethylene is available in different types, such as LDPE and HDPE. HDPE is thicker and sturdier than LDPE, making it more suitable for making sturdy toys.
Compared to other types of plastic, polyethylene is generally a better choice for toys. It has a wider range of uses and is easily available. In addition, polyethylene has a lower environmental impact than some other plastics. However, alternative materials have also been developed, such as biodegradable polymers, which can be considered more sustainable options.
Polypropylene toys
Polypropylene is a versatile plastic material used to make a wide range of products, including toys. It is a thermoplastic polymer that can be easily formed using various manufacturing methods. According to Healthline, it is generally considered one of the safer types of plastic and has been approved by the FDA for use as a food container material. There are no known carcinogenic effects associated with polypropylene.
Polypropylene is also more environmentally friendly than some other types of plastic. It can be recycled and has a lower impact on the environment than, for example, PVC. It is often used in packaging and consumer products because of its good wear resistance and durability.
You can recognize that you have a polypropylene toy if it has the number 5 surrounded by a triangle at the bottom of the container.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) toys
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a versatile synthetic plastic made by adding chlorine to ethylene. PVC is a hard plastic known for its durability, flexibility and low cost. It is widely used in construction, electrical wiring and medical applications. However, PVC is not very suitable for toys, especially for young children, due to the presence of harmful substances.
PVC toys may contain metals such as titanium, zinc and copper, which can pose a health risk to children. A study by Ahmed, H., Attaelmanan, A., Alshaer, F., & Abdallah, E. (2021) showed that more than 75% of the plastic toys examined were made of PVC because they contained chlorine when tested.
This can lead to exposure to harmful metals. In addition, PVC toys and other products may contain phthalates, which can be harmful to the kidneys, liver and testicles. Although there are regulations to limit the use of certain phthalates in toys, there are still substitute plasticizers whose effects are less known.
All in all, PVC is not a suitable material for toys due to the potential health risks. It is important to choose safer alternatives, such as biodegradable toys or toys made from recyclable materials. This way we can produce toys that are both safe for children and sustainable for the environment.
BPA in plastic toys
Plastic toys can contain BPA (Bisphenol A), but this depends on the specific type of plastic used in their production. BPA is a chemical used in some plastics to make them harder and more durable.
In the past it was BPA commonly found in plastic toys, especially in cheaper and older products. This raised concerns about the potential health risks of exposure to BPA, especially in young children, as it is considered an endocrine disruptor.
However, many countries have taken steps to regulate and reduce the use of BPA in children's products. For example, in the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) has imposed limits on the content of BPA in baby bottles, sippy cups and children's toys.
In general, the trend in the toy industry is to use safer and more environmentally friendly plastics, and many modern plastic toy products are BPA-free.
Are BPA-free plastic toys safer?
Green plastic toys
Green plastic toys are made of environmentally friendly plastic. These materials are produced from renewable sources, such as starch or sugar, and are also often made from recycled materials. Using green plastic in toys is an important step towards sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
Additionally, it has a lower carbon footprint than traditional plastic because it is produced from renewable sources.
A good example of a company using green plastic is LEGO. In 2018, they started making LEGO elements from bio-polyethylene (bio-PE), a soft, durable and flexible plastic extracted from Brazilian sugar cane. About half of all LEGO sets now contain at least one of the parts made from them. That's not very much so there is still a long way to go.
Only a small percentage of toys on the market are made of green plastic. It is important that more companies research and choose green plastic as a environmentally friendly toys alternative to traditional plastic.
Toys made from recycled materials
Recycled toys are mainly made from old plastic containers and other recyclable materials, such as cardboard and bottle caps. By using recycled materials, the aim is to reduce environmental impact and minimize the need for new sources.
Upcycled toys
Upcycled toys are a unique solution to reuse old toys or other materials and household waste. For example, residual material from another production process can be used to make toys. Old toys or other products can also be given a new life as a new toy.
In the United Kingdom, start-up JUNKO has come up with an alternative solution to utilize household waste. They offer kits with wheels, frames and fasteners that allow children to turn waste such as boxes, bottles and cardboard packaging into homemade toys. The kits themselves are made from recycled plastic, which is made using a 3D printer.
Hard vs soft plastic toys
Hard plastic toys differ from soft toys because they are made of materials that are sturdy and suitable for making building blocks and other designs that require strength. They often contain different types of plastic, such as polycarbonate, polystyrene and polyoxymethylene, which provide durability and strength. This makes them suitable for toy cars and other toy vehicles, as well as for detailed trim on toys.
Soft toys, on the other hand, are made of flexible and malleable materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and bisphenol. This allows dolls and stuffed animals to move easily without cracking or breaking.
When choosing toys, safety is an important point to consider. Hard plastic toys may have sharp edges that can be dangerous for young children. Soft toys, on the other hand, are generally safer because they are less likely to cause damage.
When it comes to the environment and recycling, the choice between hard and soft plastic toys has an impact. Hard plastic toys can be more difficult to recycle due to their complex designs and different types of plastic. Soft toys, especially those made of PVC, can contain harmful chemicals that are not sustainable.
Can plastic toys be recycled?
Yes, plastic toys can be recycled. However, there are several difficulties in recycling plastic toys. Not all types of plastic toys are recyclable and depend on the type of plastic used and the presence of other materials such as batteries and metal.
Because it is so difficult, many companies have started to think more about cheap plastic toys. For example, toys in breakfast cereals have slowly disappeared since the 2000s. This was for several reasons, including environmental reasons (less waste), but also the risk that some toys could break and pose a choking hazard.
However, there are options for recycling plastic toys. Some municipalities have recycling programs that accept plastic toys. In addition, there are also specific organizations such as Terracycle in the US that offer toy recycling programs.
Do plastic toys end up in landfill?
Yes, about 80% of all toys end up in landfills, incinerators or in the ocean, according to Tansy Robertson-Fall, a circular economy expert, writer and Senior Editor at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
There are several reasons why this happens. First, plastic is a common material for toys, but it is difficult to recycle due to the different types of plastic and limited processing options. Secondly, many parents opt for cheap plastic toy options, which are often low quality and break easily, resulting in them being quickly thrown away.
By extending the life of toys, we can reduce their impact on the environment and explore options other than simply throwing them away.
How do you throw away old plastic toys?
The best way to dispose of old plastic toys is to give them away. Consider cleaning the toys and donating them to charitable organizations, such as children's homes or shelters. Some municipalities may also have toy libraries where you can borrow or donate toys. Inquire about the donation policy and facilities at schools and daycare centers.
Recycling is also a good option. Not every municipality can recycle toys at the local waste street, so check carefully what the options are.
If recycling or donating isn't an option, you can get creative and reuse or repurpose the items, such as using plastic toys in art projects.
What are the perfect materials for plastic-free toys?
The best materials for plastic-free toys can be found below.
- Wood: Wood is the best option for plastic-free toys. It is a durable and natural material that can be used in a wide range of forms. Wooden toys are suitable for building and making, and are easy to clean.
- Fabric: Fabric toys are an alternative to plastic toys. It is made of different materials, such as cotton, and is suitable for different types of play. Cloth toys are safer for children and easy to clean.
- Rubber: Rubber toys are a popular choice for children, especially teething rings and bath toys. It is made of natural rubber and is safe for children to chew and play with.
- Bamboo: Bamboo is a sustainable material that is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to plastic toys. It is safe for children and can be used to make various toys such as vehicles.
- Silicone: Silicone toys are suitable for sensory play. It is made of a safe and non-toxic material that is easy to clean. Silicone toys are a good choice for parents and caregivers who want to avoid toxic plastics.
By choosing toys made from these materials, parents and caregivers can find plastic-free toys that are safe and suitable for children.
Are wooden toys better than plastic?
Wooden toys are better than plastic in several ways. Wooden toys are durable, long lasting and a good investment. It is made from natural materials and does not contain harmful chemicals such as BPA. In addition, wooden toys are safer because they do not pose a choking hazard to small children.
It also promotes imagination and creativity as it invites children to play and build in different ways.
Wooden toys are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and can be made from recycled or reclaimed wood, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Always something to do for the holidays or rainy day?
Play Choice now has the ultimate activity book collection, with over 60 pages of fun coloring pages and educational puzzles.
Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.