Learning Resources, Playmobil and Lego strike gold in the Toy Industries of Europe-organised awards
The winners of the sixth Play for Change Awards have been announced, with Learning Resources, Playmobil and the Lego Group each winning a gold.
Organised by Toy Industries of Europe (TIE), these awards celebrate the innovation and ingenuity that define the toy sector’s efforts over the last year to maximise the numerous benefits of play for children in Europe.
A wide range of exceptional toys, games and initiatives were submitted from around the globe to be considered by the expert juries. The gold, silver, and bronze winners reflect the advancements toy companies have made in the areas of Diversity and Inclusion, Life Skills, and Sustainability.
And the winners are:
Diversity & Inclusion – for initiatives and toys that challenge outdated ‘norms’ of social status, ability, sex, race or religion:
• Gold: The Lego Group for bringing awareness to non-visible disabilities through its partnership with the Hidden Sunflower Campaign.
• Silver: Miniland for its Create Your Own Personalised Doll initiative, which allows children of different abilities and backgrounds to see themselves and their communities in their dolls.
• Bronze: Mattel for the latest addition to the Barbie Fashionista line, featuring a realistic depiction of the iconic doll with severe visual impairments.
Life Skills category – for initiative and toys that prepare children for tomorrow’s world:
• Gold: Learning Resources for Campfire Chatmallows and its innovative approach to creating an environment where young children develop their storytelling skills in the company of family.
• Silver: Learning Resources for Cooper the STEM Robot, which introduces children to coding and sequencing in an interactive way.
• Bronze: Kosmos for immersing older kids in the world of robotics and engineering through an intricate construction process to create their own playable toy.
• Bronze: Miniland for its Allies in Play product line, which counters bullying by helping children recognise and process emotions as they grow.
Sustainability category – for initiatives and toys which aim to deliver an overall positive impact for the environment:
• Gold: Playmobil for its initiative to make the Playmobil Junior product line from 90% bio-based, ISCC Plus certified plastic and for the company’s broader strong commitment to sustainability.
• Silver: Smoby Toys for getting children outside with Mud Kitchen, made from 90% recycled plastic — an impressive achievement for an outdoor toy requiring high durability and safety standards.
• Bronze: D&R Denkriesen for educating children on coastal protection and wildlife preservation through its unique take on a classic memory game.
• Bronze: Mattel for its Matchbox Moving Parts line featuring a minimum composition of 70% ISCC materials and an inventive packaging solution allowing a direct visual with the toy without plastic.
