PHA Toys Products: For The Good The Planet And its Inhabitants

According to a study by ADEME, 150,000 tonnes of toys are put on the market every year in France alone. Yes, plastic toys pollute, not to mention threaten children’s health. However, ecological pressure is forcing a review of the materials used. Manufacturers need to find sustainable alternatives to meet consumer expectations and environmental regulations. Fortunately, PHA stands out for its eco-responsible potential…

How does PHA differ from other bioplastics?

Characteristics of PHA biopolymer

PHA is a biosourced polymer derived from bacterial fermentation that is fully biodegradable and compostable. This bioplastic has similar properties to conventional plastics such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). It can be flexible, strong and used to make a variety of PHA products, including toys.

The benefits of PHA

• Complete biodegradability: PHA breaks down naturally within a few weeks in marine and terrestrial environments, leaving no toxic residue.
• Biosourced material: produced from renewable raw materials.
• Non-toxic: no phthalates or bisphenol A, two substances recognised as endocrine disruptors.

Why choose PHA toys?

PHA toys: meeting consumer expectations

Shoppers, and parents in particular, are increasingly aware of environmental issues. Logically, it’s their children’s future that’s at stake. So they are looking for products that are safe, durable and manufactured in compliance with health and environmental standards.

What’s more, PHA toys do not release microplastics and are free from harmful chemicals. Furthermore, the manufacture of this bioplastic uses less energy than that of conventional plastics, so PHA’s carbon emissions are lower.

Compliance with environmental regulations thanks to PHA

International regulations are being tightened to reduce the use of plastic and encourage the adoption of more environmentally-friendly materials. The European directive on single-use plastics requires companies to review their production chains. PHA toys meet these requirements while reducing the overall environmental impact.

Important note: the adoption of innovative materials such as PHA provides a competitive advantage. By diversifying their ranges with PHA toys, manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to sustainability whilst  capturing new customer segments.

The challenges and benefits of producing PHA toys

• Production cost: currently higher than conventional plastics. However, government initiatives and subsidies are encouraging innovation in biobased materials.
• Production capacity: although PHA has been produced for several years, it has not yet reached the industrial production levels of petroleum-derived plastics. It’s a material in the making!
• Performance and durability: current research shows that this biopolymer can offer comparable or even superior mechanical properties, depending on the type of PHA.

How can PHA be integrated into toy production processes?

PHA: a technological innovation synonymous with adaptability

The injection moulding and extrusion techniques used for plastics can be adapted to PHA. Toy manufacturers can therefore incorporate this material without having to invest heavily in new equipment. Limited costs and optimised space.

Adjusting production lines

Introducing PHA into production lines requires adjustments, particularly in terms of stock management and working with new suppliers. Training for teams is also recommended to help them master the specific characteristics of the material. In short, change management and communication are key!

Standards and certifications

PHA toys must meet the same safety requirements as traditional toys. Manufacturers must ensure that they obtain the necessary certifications, such as European standard EN71 (ASTM in the USA). The aim is to guarantee the conformity of their products and their sale on the market.

Why work with PHA Sourcing?

Responsiveness and expertise, toys in PHA and other…

PHA Sourcing, a leader in PHA sourcing, offers solutions tailored to the needs of toy manufacturers. The company offers cutting-edge expertise in integrating PHA into production processes.

Large-scale production of PHA

Thanks to its global partners and producers, PHA Sourcing can guarantee large volumes that meet the requirements of major companies. This large-scale production capacity optimises costs while ensuring the availability of the material.

International certifications obtained by PHA Sourcing

PHA Sourcing is certified by several international bodies, guaranteeing environmental compliance and the quality of the material supplied. These certifications include ISO 14001 for environmental management and OK Compost certification for biodegradability.