ATPA Publishes new Position Paper

Singapore, April 2024

The Journey Towards Sustainable Packaging for Toys

The position paper, outlines the different approaches that toy companies have undertaken to make their packaging more sustainable. It underscores the emerging need for collaboration between Governments and the Toy Industry to mitigate the environmental impacts of waste generation. Highlighting the significance of effective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, the paper showcases ATPA members’ commitment to fostering a circular economy and reducing packaging waste.

The paper emphasizes the importance of considering the entire lifecycle of packaging, from design to end-of-life, to minimize the environmental footprint of toy companies. It discusses the various stages of the packaging lifecycle, including design, material selection, sourcing, manufacturing, distribution, and disposal, and presents strategies to enhance sustainability at each phase. It contains insights, reflections and examples of such practices by the ATPA members.

Key highlights:

• Designing for Sustainability: Prioritizing the reduction of resource use and waste generation, while ensuring packaging meets functional and aesthetic needs. Innovative examples include minimizing plastic use and exploring alternative materials.
• Material Considerations: Selecting environmentally friendly materials that lessen waste and pollution, with a focus on eliminating single-use plastics and favoring fiber-based packaging from sustainable sources.
• Responsible Sourcing: Ensuring materials are ethically and sustainably sourced, with certifications like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) indicating responsible practices.
• Efficient Manufacturing: Balancing environmental considerations with the need for protective and compliant toy packaging, exploring ways to reduce CO2 emissions, waste, and water use in production processes.
• Optimized Distribution: Designing packaging that enhances transport efficiency and reduces the environmental impact of distribution, through size and material optimization and improved transport management.
• End-of-Life Management: Encouraging practices like recycling and reuse to ensure sustainable disposal of packaging, with educational initiatives to inform consumers about responsible disposal methods.

The paper calls for collaborative innovation and flexibility, urging Governments to work alongside toy companies to develop pragmatic and effective EPR schemes that encourage waste prevention and design for circularity. It stresses the importance of adaptable strategies that allow for continuous improvement and innovation in sustainable packaging practices.

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For more information, please contact:
Matteo Vezzosi, Executive Director
Asia Toy and Play Association
Email: info@atpa.asia