34 minute read
Eco-Friendly
Green for go
Focus has clearly started to shift with sustainability, eco-friendly and carbon footprint no longer just being buzz words, but words that look set to stay.
The nursery sector has stepped up when we look at products available that carry a level of sustainability and eco-credentials. Although new parents want to purchase new items, which of course is fantastic for the industry as the purchase of second hand is not encouraged (more so with regards to car seats), this of course carries a responsibility for us as an industry to shift focus to how products are manufactured and our carbon footprint and offer products that have longevity.
“Eco-friendly and sustainability is a consumer focus which will only build and products that offer and meet these requirements are becoming more and more important.” Comments Alys Dawson, Director of Product, Creative and Marketing Services at Rainbow Designs. “The children of today are more educated about the current climate than generations before them and are becoming more passionate about conservation and sustainability, which is fantastic, and this is filtering through to parents, grandparents and gift buyers.”
The good news is that as an industry, changes are happening with Cuddleco’s Managing Director Marc Kelly telling us: “Steps are being made in the right direction and thinking broader than CuddleCo, we have to do more not just in the products themselves, but the whole operation. As we have seen, this isn’t a problem that can be solved overnight, but as a collective we have to continue to make proactive steps forward to help mitigate the burden that is already being passed on to future generations.”
So are doing enough within our industry sector with regards to sustainability and eco-friendly products? We asked independent retailer, Victoria Hampson, Natural Baby Shower’s Co-Founder, if she feels more could be done by brands with regards to this? “While it’s been great to see more of us getting involved with sustainability, there’s always more that can be done. That’s why innovation plays a pivotal role in a product’s design so that we can do better, for the next generation that this industry so proudly cares for. We want to bring our customers products that are not only manufactured with a small carbon footprint, but last a lifetime. That’s why we’ve championed numerous schemes, from pushchair valet services with Silver Cross, to our Bags of Love donations with Merino Kids, to prevent throwaway culture adding to the growing global landfill crisis.”
The consumer is clearly now looking more closely at green credentials, we asked Nuna’s Brand Manager Steve Smith if he felt that consumers are searching for products that have eco-credentials and a level of sustainability? “Sustainability is a hot topic and for good reason. Consumers now have more choice and information available to them to make informed decisions. Sustainability is no longer deemed as a ‘nice thing to do’ but now a necessity. Consumers want to know what they can do to limit their impact, and more so, what brands are doing to limit theirs. Previously there used to be a stigma attached to ‘being green’, however it is now something that the majority of consumers are conscious of.”
Victoria, from their experience dealing with consumers in-store or via their online channels, has definitely experienced the shift towards the desirability of products that have eco-credentials commenting “When meeting our customers face-to-face either in our Surrey store or chatting to them online, many of their questions are centred around the eco-credibility of the product in question, which is a delight to the ears of our nursery specialists. With this in mind, we have a number of interactive guides, journals and blogs to bring our customers the information on sustainability that we know they want to see.”
Doing their bit for the planet is pure joy! It goes without saying that baby gear manufacturers care deeply about the wellbeing of children. But for Joie, it’s more than that! As a brand, Joie treasures the importance of families and works hard to champion their value, their welfare and their futures.
For Joie, profits have had to take a back seat and instead, it focuses not only on the families of its customers, but those of its employees and the community, as well as the earth that we all enjoy.
In order to spread the word, Joie has launched Pure Joie so that everyone who is part of the Joie family can have an insight as to how Joie is doing its bit to support the environment and the steps it is taking to make its products more sustainable, safer and ultimately a more ethical choice for shoppers. To find out more, visit the Pure Joy microsite.
www.purejoy.joiebaby.com
Natural bedding
FORREST is Johnston Pram’s new range of quality baby bedding that’s just that little bit different!
FORREST offers six vibrant designs to compliment modern nursery decor. With the safety of children right at the heart of this brand, FORREST is crafted from cotton fabric which is OEKE-TEX standard and REACH compliant. Simply put, this means that the range contains no harmful substances.
Why choose FORREST?
• Organic and sustainable • Beautiful on-trend designs • Made in the EU, so kind to the Plant with its small global footprint • Crafted from safe fabrics • Premium quality • Anti-Slavery policies
www.johnstonprams.com
Safe to sleep
East Coast Nursery offer a carefully designed range of mattresses, with a choice of covers and fillings, to help give baby the best chance of getting a good night’s sleep.
The All Natural Mattress is filled with wool and natural coir, offering comfort and support.
The mattress provides excellent air movement and heat dissipation to help regulate body temperature. It features a deluxe natural cotton fabric cover, to provide a completely natural mattress.
The fully-zipped cover is breathable and water-resistant, and can be removed for washing at 40 degrees.
All East Coast mattresses are proudly made in the UK.
Sustainable play
Rainbow Designs creates beautiful, joyful and sustainable nursery toys and gifts.
The range from Rainbow Designs offers perfect options for newborns and little ones, whilst actively committing to help save our planet and ensure that the children of today, and tomorrow, live in a sustainable world. As a member of the Products of Change Programme, and through their Rainbow Cares programme, the businesses’ journey of ongoing improvement to reduce their carbon footprint and to encourage long term thinking, is to ensure the world in 2050, for the little fans of Winnie the Pooh, Peter Rabbit and Paddington Bear, is a better place.
Rainbow create and design products that will last a lifetime, so that they can be passed on to be loved again and again by future generations and that is no exception with the exquisite new sustainable Classic Pooh ‘Always and Forever’ collection of heirloom toys for babies, that have been created with a focus on sustainable materials, FSC and reusable packaging, stuffing made produced from recycled plastic bottles and recycled plush fabric.
Rainbow Design’s wooden lines are all FSC accredited and offer a more sustainable option for consumers. 2022 will see the arrival of more beautiful yet playful and rewarding new wooden toys in the Peter Rabbit, Elmer and The Very Hungry Caterpillar collections including Pull Alongs, Dominoes, Shape Puzzles and Balance Toys.
Tel: 01329 227300 www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk
Natural nappies
and wipes
Ecoriginals was born in Australia’s Byron Bay in 2011 by a husband and wife team who as parents themselves found the lack of healthy eco options frustrating and unacceptable.
This first truly eco disposable nappy from Ecoriginals was a world milestone and marked the start of a new era of environmental choice for parents and carers.
Fast forward to today and through significant research and product development and use on more than five million babies bottoms, Ecoriginals nappies continue to evolve and are now made of an unrivalled 90%+ plant-based ingredients with performance exceeding traditional disposable nappies.
Ecoriginals are not only one of the Greenest Nappy and Baby Wipes company in the world today, they are in a league of their own for chemical free softness and premium performance.
Discover the Ecoriginals Difference today with a free Starter Pack and access their special launch offer discount on first orders by contacting: lesley@ecorginals.co.uk (Limited time only whilst stocks last).
lesley@ecoriginals.co.uk www.ecoriginals.co.uk
Greener way to travel
The purpose at Maxi-Cosi has always been to care for precious life, but that care doesn’t end when children outgrow their products.
Maxi-Cosi want to ensure a better and greener world for all of the babies they’ve safely carried home. That’s why they’re introducing the Mica Pro Eco. With Eco Care, the Mica Pro Eco uses recycled fabrics, made from 19 plastic bottles each, that still have the same soft and breathable qualities that parents would expect from Maxi-Cosi. Built to the highest i-Size safety standards and suitable from birth to four years, Mica Pro Eco combines best-in-class comfort with planet-friendly innovation, to create the first sustainable car seat of its kind. With all of the features you come to expect from MaxiCosi car seats including
ClimaFlow, FlexiSpin, G-CELL and more, it is the perfect choice to care for our planet, and future generations.
www.maxi-cosi.co.uk
Sustainable
nursery furniture
The Troll Lukas Range boasts sustainable eco packaging and is manufactured using solid birch woods, finished to a high standard with water based paints.
CuddleCo and Troll furniture ranges are made in Europe so there is no risk of tropical hardwoods being used. The timber is from sustainable forests so the trees are replanted according to the forest management. There is also less transportation emissions as the distance is shorter than sea freight from the far east which has a large carbon footprint.
To continue to reduce their environmental impact CuddleCo is also making sure that their nursery furniture has a long lifespan. All of their furniture is fully tested to BS8509 and FIRA standards.
www.cuddleco.co.uk
Good, Clean Fun With
Share the joy of sploshing, splashing and making more sud-soaked memories, with the award-winning bath time range from Mini U.
Since 2010, Mini U have been putting great times into bath times with their award-winning haircare, bath & body care for babies, toddlers and kids and their recently revamped collection with brand new formulations and adorable animal friends is guaranteed to add good clean fun to bath time, with no mess, no stress and no tears!
Fronted by a range of endearing sea creatures who are all set to bring their own brand of fabulous fun to bath time, the affordable products from Mini U are vegan, cruelty-free and free from gluten, soy and dairy – and there’s no artificial nasties. Kind to the skin and safe for the planet, all the new liquid products from the British brand are made from naturally derived ingredients, so they are as pleasing on your little one’s skin as they are on the eye.
So, whether you’re washing your little ones with Washy Wanda the Whale and Cleany Claud the Crab. Rinsing and repeating with Shiny Sam the Dolphin and Sheila the Seal. Styling locks with Curly Carly the Seahorse, Teaser Teresa the Octopus and Snazzy Sebastian the Starfish. Or enjoying a soak with Bubbly Bertie the Turtle, Inky India the Squid and Fizzy Phil the Pufferfish – they’ve made scrubbing, soaking and grooming more fun for everyone!
talking shop
Nursery Today questioned a number of independent retailers on their views on the hot topic of eco-friendly products and issues surrounding sustainability and carbon footprints. Grace Mooney
BABY MOON BABY SHOP
Yes definitely. Everyone is thinking and veering towards more sustainable products - whether that be sustainable materials or something they are going to get longevity out of.
Lorretta Owen
Very important - it is hard at times as we are online too, so in that case we do try to reduce our packaging and recycle packaging as best we can.
Yes, but having said that all the brands that we work with are noticeably making strives to reduce waste and in turn their carbon footprint.
I think every individual and industry could do more, but we are learning each day and constantly striving to try and achieve a better world for our little ones.
Not necessarily, it is definitely becoming part of some customers tick list for products but not hugely noticeable.
I’m not entirely sure as unfortunately sustainability and eco-friendly products come at a cost; a cost which then would inevitably be passed onto the consumer. For the moment I think all brands that we deal with are doing the best they can.
Victoria Hampson NATURAL BABY SHOWER
Our customers put their trust in us to bring them ethical, organic and sustainable products so we do our upmost to transparently communicate the eco-credentials behind every product. Many of our customers share the same philosophy as we do at Natural Baby Shower; investing in a product based on the values behind a brand. Sustainability plays a massive part in what brands join the NBS family so, whenever a new, innovative product is launched that champions all things green, we like to shout it from the treetops!
While it’s been great to see more of us getting involved with sustainability, there’s always more that can be done. That’s why innovation plays a pivotal role in a product’s design so that we can do better, for the next generation that this industry so proudly cares for. We want to bring our customers products that are not only manufactured with a small carbon footprint, but last a lifetime. That’s why we’ve championed numerous schemes, from pushchair valet services with Silver Cross, to our Bags of Love donations with Merino Kids, to prevent throwaway culture adding to the growing global landfill crisis.
For us, yes. When meeting our customers face-to-face either in our Surrey store or chatting to them online, many of their questions are centred around the eco-credibility of the product in question which is a delight to the ears of our nursery specialists. With this in mind, we have a number of interactive guides, journals and blogs to bring our customers the information on sustainability that we know they want to see. JOLLY TOTS
At the present time we don’t have many customers asking for products with eco-credentials but do feel that in time it will be something that they are looking for. As we are all becoming aware of issues with sustainability.
What are you currently doing within your business to assist with regard your own carbon footprint?
As a business we do try to reduce our carbon footprint by offering the following: * Offer used cardboard boxes to carry items to car rather than carrier bags; * Encourage customers to bring their own reusable bags rather than purchasing one instore; * Selling revamped items that offer gently used items a new lease of life; * Re-use packaging as much as possible; * Re-use boxes for dispatching goods.
I feel that the industry is making lots of advances with regards to eco-friendly products. But as always we could do more. I think the key is education and to keep spreading the word.
Customers do seem fans of environmentally friendly products but often price does dictate as to whether it is an option available for them. I think there is more and more information out there and it’s is something that is becoming more of a concern.
I think companies could do more as some products do still seem to have excessive amounts of packaging. I think there is a very fine line between less packaging, item being undamaged and still feeling new. It’s quite a difficult balance to get right.
More brands are entering the sector focussing on greener solutions but there is always room for more. We need to all do our bit to protect this precious planet.
Sara Hubbard
WHITES FARM BABY BARN
Yes! We’ve definitely seen an increase in interest surrounding more sustainable products. Customers are much more aware of the world they are bringing a life into and how important it is that we look after it.
It is so important to us. Not just work, but in our everyday lives as well we are very aware of our impact on the environment. We try to recycle everything we get through the store in way of packaging, or repurpose it for use somewhere else; like our display stands. We also carpool to work every day and our new work vehicle is a hybrid.
It’s definitely something that flags up on our radar - especially when deciding to stock new brands. We find so many of our brands are more aware of their impact on the environment and wanting to make sure they are doing their part.
We feel the industry is definitely changing and moving in the right direction, but we feel there is a lot more we can be doing. In store we strive to sell one customer one pram - for them to use over the coming years for more than one child and we know a couple of our brands share that same ethos. We think it would do well for other brands to follow that lead.
With the influence that social media and the internet has on our everyday lives, information is so much more accessible and many customers are researching the sustainability of what they will buy their baby. Many of our customers are coming in with an idea of what they would like from their pram, whether that’s a lifetime warranty or recycled fabrics.
Yes. There’s always more to be done. We feel so many brands could make positive eco-friendly changes, even just starting with the way they package their goods. Get rid of the plastic bags that many councils still won’t recycle and replace them with cardboard boxes that are much easier to dispose of in a green way.
One of the areas we think could really be thought through better is the gifting of prams to social media influencers and celebrities - we understand the place this has in modern marketing but feel that if a celebrity or influencer parent has 4 or 5 different pushchairs given to them, we are setting a bad example, encouraging waste and a throwaway society.
Prams and pushchairs like any product come with their own Carbon footprint, excess packaging and waste that we don’t feel is necessary so many times over.
Are you seeing a good level of products now entering our sector that are focussing on greener solutions (for example, fabrics, packaging, etc.)?
There’s much more available than previous years - but again, there’s always
supplier snapshot
This month Nursery Today questions some of the industry’s finest to find out their views on the hot topics of eco-friendly products and issues surrounding sustainability and carbon footprints.
Donna McCullough
MARKETING MANAGER - JOHNSTON PRAMS
With sustainability and ecocredentials continuing to be a hot topic (and one which looks to stay), is this something you look at when developing new products? Sustainability is our most important USP with our Noordi, Cocoon and FORREST brands. Noordi is made in Scandinavia so its global footprint is small. The factory’s entire manufacturing process is sustainable and uses solar power. Noordi is so confident about its sustainable credentials that it has rebranded for 2022 under the tag line of ‘The Northern Way’ which sets out why they are now a 100% sustainable pram brand. They are doing some very interesting things such as reusing old plastics when creating new prams, investing in their premises and their staff and coming up with some clever ways of using their off cuts and waste materials. Do you feel that consumers are searching for products that have eco-credentials and a level of sustainability? I think consumer are becoming more interested in sustainability, but they don’t necessarily want to spend extra money. Our FORREST bedding and our Noordi prams are manufactured in mainland Europe so we are reducing the environmental footprint and can keep the prices down as we are not paying China container prices. As an industry are we are doing enough with regards to sustainability and eco-friendly products? Probably not yet. We are lucky to work with a brand such as Noordi and Cocoon (which is totally sustainable)! And FORREST is our own brand. If a business has the right contacts to go down the sustainable route, it makes things a great deal easier. We have those contacts. How important is your own carbon footprint within your business? It’s very important to us. In fact, it’s been our biggest driver in the last year. That is why we are so focused on products produced in the EU. Do you feel more could be done within our industry with regards to eco-friendly products and sustainability? Yes. I think that products should carry a label that tells the retailer and the consumer the product’s global impact! Is it ethically produced (anti slavery – GOTTS - credentials)? Are the components sustainable? Where is it manufactured and how far it travels to get to the UK etc… It’s only then that people can make informed decisions. www.johnstonprams.com
Marc Kelly
MANAGING DIRECTOR, CUDDLECO
With sustainability and eco-credentials continuing to be a hot topic (and one which looks to stay), is this something you look at when developing new products? Winning an award for our Lukas range is only the start. Whilst our Troll range boasts a range of eco benefits, we are continually reviewing other product lines and our supply chain to have a positive impact on the environment and the world we live in. The nursery of your dreams shouldn’t cost the earth. Do you feel that consumers are searching for products that have eco-credentials and a level of sustainability? It’s an increasing trend and one we all have to embrace. Consumers are already making decisions based on this and we have seen sales of our Troll and Mother&Baby ranges which are testament to this. As an industry are we are doing enough with regards to sustainability and eco-friendly products? Steps are being made in the right direction and thinking broader than CuddleCo, we have to do more not just in the products themselves, but the whole operation. As we have seen, this isn’t a problem that can be solved overnight, but as a collective we have to continue to make proactive steps forward to help mitigate the burden that is already being passed on to future generations. www.cuddleco.co.uk
Dean Price
MANAGING DIRECTOR - VENTURE UK
With sustainability and eco-credentials continuing to be a hot topic (and one which looks to stay), is this something you look at when developing new products? Absolutely. We’re always communicating with our manufacturers to see how we can make our products more eco-friendly. From the packaging we use to the processes we take when manufacturing, I think it’s important that every brand plays their part to come up with new an innovative ways to be make their products more eco-friendly. Do you feel that consumers are searching for products that have eco-credentials and a level of sustainability? Yes, I think that as the years have gone on being eco-friendly is much higher up on people’s decision making process than before. Not only that but consumers are more likely to buy products they can use again for new children and sometimes it’s even a key factor. As an industry are we are doing enough with regards to sustainability and eco-friendly products? I believe it’s getting better and as technology is improving it’s definitely something that I think all brands are considering when producing new lines. It can be difficult to get the balance right between making something eco-friendly and how that can affect the overall usage or functionality of a product, but as nursery brands I think it’s important that we challenge each other to push the effort for eco-friendly products. How important is your own carbon footprint within your business? It’s certainly a big factor for us, we always aim to keep our carbon footprint as low as possible, we work closely with our manufacturers and carriers to keep our supply process as streamlined as possible and prevent as much wastage as possible from both the raw material side of our business to transport and logistics. Do you feel more could be done within our industry with regards to eco-friendly products and sustainability? There’s always more that can be done to be more eco-friendly and this comes with time and experience of both the technologies available and how we can use them to make the products we produce more eco-friendly and sustainable. www.ventureuk.com
Damon Marriott
HEAD OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT – JOIE
With sustainability and eco-credentials continuing to be a hot topic (and one which looks to stay), is this something you look at when developing new products? This is definitely something that is very much at the fore of our new developments. Last year we launched Pure Joy as a way of communicating to our consumers just how hard we are working as a business to ensure our factory is as eco-friendly as possible and we are currently developing a line of products that will reflect this commitment to a more sustainable future for the brand. Do you feel that consumers are searching for products that have eco-credentials and a level of sustainability? It is certainly something that consumers are becoming more conscious of – a big part of that is the longevity of the product. One product that lasts longer means less waste and is also more cost effective for the consumer. As an industry are we are doing enough with regards to sustainability and ecofriendly products? It is going to have to be a prolonged and consistent effort from all businesses, not just those within the nursery sector in order to affect the change needed. There is always more to be done and as an industry we need to focus on playing our part. How important is your own carbon footprint within your business? This remains a key part of our identity, our production facility being the birthplace of our products lifecycle, so has been key to integrate environmental and sustainable practices with the heart of our business. At local levels, the recycling and waste reduction also has become a key focus of the business to ensure we keep our carbon footprint as low as possible. Do you feel more could be done within our industry with regards to eco-friendly products and sustainability? Within all industries there is a huge drive to maximise and utilise eco-friendly and sustainable practices, with further development into use of recycled materials being a key factor for future products. www.joiebaby.com
Jonathan Feingold
INGLESINA UK
With sustainability and eco-credentials continuing to be a hot topic (and one which looks to stay), is this something you look at when developing new products? Parents are more and more conscious of the future of the world we live in for their children, so eco and sustainability are front of mind when developing new products. From the materials we use, to waste, transport and product durability and longevity, we consider the cost of our planet at every level. Do you feel that consumers are searching for products that have eco-credentials and a level of sustainability? It is becoming more important for parents to ‘do their bit’ but with travel systems it is not the first thing they consider. I would say it is more top-of-mind when it comes to consumables such as wipes and nappies, as well as feeding equipment and toys to an extent too. As an industry are we are doing enough with regards to sustainability and eco-friendly products? We are trying and continuously improving the carbon footprint of our nursery businesses, but there is still a lot of work to do. How important is your own carbon footprint within your business? It’s something we think about all the time and we know that our factory in Italy is key to helping this. We are making big moves to bringing all material closer to home day by day. Do you feel more could be done within our industry with regards to eco-friendly products and sustainability? Yes, but the consumer has to be weaned off buying only ‘pretty’ and move towards buying ‘pretty good’. www.inglesina.uk
Holly Brewer
MARKETING MANAGER - ERGOBABY UK
With sustainability and eco-credentials continuing to be a hot topic (and one which looks to stay), is this something you look at when developing new products? We’re committed to providing our customers and partners with transparent information about our commitments to and progress towards meeting our sustainability vision. Our strategy to achieve this is to continue to make Ergobaby products that meet our rigorous standards of comfort, function, quality, and longevity — but with fewer impacts on the planet. This means that we will always use exceptional materials in our product designs, and lead the way in carrier, stroller, and accessory innovation — while reducing our environmental footprint. Do you feel that consumers are searching for products that have ecocredentials and a level of sustainability? Yes, we have seen a brilliant response to our new Aerloom carrier which utilises the production technique of 3D knitting with yarn that is made of 87% post-consumer recycled polyester and certified to the Global Recycled Standard to be used in the process. 3D knitting involves knitting every panel to shape, which reduces material waste (and the resources used and impacts generated by making said material) compared with cutting individual pieces of fabric to shape. Each collection is made in small quantities to avoid excess inventory and each carrier arrives in a recyclable shipper box; no extra packaging necessary! The consumer response to this product has been extraordinary with each new collection selling out in record time. Consumer feedback has also been hugely encouraging and we are working on how best to replicate these methods and principles across our range. As an industry are we are doing enough with regards to sustainability and eco-friendly products? Do you feel more could be done within our industry with regards to eco-friendly products and sustainability? There is certainly always more that can be done and Ergobaby believe that we should all be committed to providing our customers and partners with transparent information about commitments to, and progress towards, meeting our sustainability visions. How important is your own carbon footprint within your business? Ergobaby was founded with a vision to revolutionise how we carry babies and for the last 20 years we’ve been making the highest quality, safest, most ergonomic baby carriers in the world. In the next 20 years we look forward to making the same quality carriers, but with a smaller carbon footprint. In 2021, we worked with a professional consultancy to measure our 2019 greenhouse gas emissions to establish a baseline measurement from the materials we use, to the factories where we produce our products and into our offices and warehouses. Our baseline is our starting point for understanding Ergobaby’s contributions to climate change. From here, we will set meaningful reduction targets and transparently report our progress towards meeting them. www.ergobaby.co.uk
Steven Smith
BRAND MANAGER - NUNA
With sustainability and eco-credentials continuing to be a hot topic (and one which looks to stay), is this something you look at when developing new products? As a brand, Nuna is committed to increasing our commitment to sustainability. From manufacturing to material selection, it is at the forefront of mind throughout the product lifecycle. We abide by the international ISO 14000 family of standards that cover a company’s environmental responsibilities, including the use of alternate fuel sources, such as solarpowered energy and the treatment of wastewater, as well as the use of recycling programs for plastic waste and packaging.
Through our commitment to mindful manufacturing, many Nuna products have met the standards for GREENGUARD GOLD certification, meaning that they have been thoroughly tested and certified to not contribute hazardous chemicals, or VOCs, into the air that children breath.
By utilising materials in our manufacturing, such as Bamboo, Organic Cotton, Merino Wool and GOTS certified textiles, we strive to reduce our impact on the environment and endeavour to be environmentally friendly and responsible. Do you feel that consumers are searching for products that have ecocredentials and a level of sustainability? Absolutely. Sustainability is a hot topic and for good reason. Consumers now have more choice and information available to them to make informed decisions. Sustainability is no longer deemed as a ‘nice thing to do’ but now a necessity. Consumers want to know what they can do to limit their impact, and more so, what brands are doing to limit theirs. Previously there used to be a stigma attached to ‘being green’, however it is now something that the majority of consumers are conscious of. As an industry are we are doing enough with regards to sustainability and ecofriendly products? There is always more that can be done, whether that be limiting the reliance on fossil fuels, rethinking what packaging is used or the alternatives in the manufacturing process. The consumer demand for an increased level of sustainability is here to stay. It is critical that brands meet this demand in order to stay relevant. Personally, I am proud to work for a brand who invests heavily in increasing our eco credentials. How important is your own carbon footprint within your business? Reducing our carbon footprint is critical to our business. We are ISO14000 certified. We utilise this to ensure our environmental management processes are in place to limit our impacts at every opportunity. Do you feel more could be done within our industry with regards to eco-friendly products and sustainability? More can be done regarding eco-friendly products and sustainability. However this takes a lot of investment in technology and R&D. Thankfully this subject isn’t new to Nuna and I believe we are ahead of the curve in our commitment to this subject. www.nunababy.com
Alys Dawson DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT, CREATIVE AND MARKETING SERVICES - RAINBOW DESIGNS
With sustainability and eco-credentials continuing to be a hot topic (and one which looks to stay), is this something you look at when developing new products? How important is your own carbon footprint within your business? As a business, we absolutely recognise that we have an ongoing commitment to help save our planet and ensure that the children of today, and tomorrow, live in a sustainable world. We are proud members of the BTHA and Products of Change programme, the educational hub aimed at driving sustainable change across consumer product markets and beyond, and we have ensured that our own Rainbow Cares Programme transcends across our entire business, including all of our product development for both existing ranges and new licenses. For example, our gorgeous Always and Forever Winnie the Pooh collection was designed completely with a focus on sustainable materials. In addition 90% of our entire range of soft toys are now filled with stuffing made from recycled plastic bottles, 90% of our wooden toys are currently made with FSC accredited wood, this will be 100% by mid year and 65% of our consumer facing packaging is now FSC sourced. Our aim is for this to be 100% by the end of 2022. Do you feel that consumers are searching for products that have ecocredentials and a level of sustainability? Absolutely. Eco-friendly and sustainability is a consumer focus which will only build and products that offer and meet these requirements are becoming more and more important. The children of today are more educated about the current climate than generations before them and are becoming more very much more passionate about conservation and sustainability, which is fantastic, and this is filtering through to parents, grandparents and gift buyers.
Do you feel more could be done within our industry with regards to eco-friendly products and sustainability? I think what Helena Mansell has started with POC is fantastic to encourage us as an industry to work together and share ideas. There is always more that can be done but shared and longer term thinking in this area would really help. I believe that doing what we can to protect our planets future as a guiding principle of our business is really important, this is not a trend. Our ethos is to create and design products that will last and endure, forever toys not throw away gifts. We would like our toys to be passed on by their very first owners to be loved again and again by future generations, reducing waste and extending the product lifecycle. But those products and the methods we use to produce them have to continuously improve and we are excited about our Rainbow Cares future.