 PlanToys, Inc. Green From The Beginning When five friends in Thailand graduated from University, they shared one noble goal: to each develop a company that would contribute positively to society and, ultimately, to humanity. One of these individuals was architect Vitool Viraponsavan, who transformed his passion for designing innovative, safe buildings into creating innovative, safe toys. Such was the birth of PlanToys, Inc., now the world’s leading green manufacturer of environmentally friendly, safe and educational wooden toys (www.plantoys.com). The company philosophy is reflected in three simple words: Green, Safe, Smart. GREEN At PlanToys, Inc., green has always been a lifestyle, not just a color or trend. Since 1981, the company has been committed to creating eco-friendly, natural wooden toys that respect the environment. A green production process at the toy factory in Thailand starts with preservative-free, aging rubberwood trees (Hevea Brasiliensis) that no longer provide sufficient latex to thrive in the environment. These trees would previously have been burned into charcoal, releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide and adding significantly to the level of greenhouse gases. PlanToys, Inc. employees recycle this wood through a time-consuming, chemical-free process of kiln-drying, which stabilizes the natural rubber wood, making it suitable for safe manufacturing. Each toy is then carefully crafted using non-formaldehyde glue for all joinery and water-based, nontoxic soy ink for accent color. A green company mindset at the eco-sensitive toy factory is dedicated to training employees to conserve electrical power, reduce waste, recycle paper and respect nature. PlanToys, Inc. supports community projects that encourage a connection with nature and build social awareness for global environmental issues. Each year, PlanToys, Inc. renews its commitment to forest conservation through a company trip that brings employees to various areas of Thailand to plant new trees. SAFE All PlanToys® are crafted, assembled, painted and packaged with the PlanToys, Inc. factory. Strict control of materials and craftsmanship assures the manufacturing of safe toys within a safe work environment. Uncompromising attention to safety detail is evident through child-friendly design techniques including rounded corners, non-chokeable play parts, shorter string lengths on pull toys, secure pivots for rotating parts, non-formaldehyde glue for all joinery, permanently contained water and sound trinkets in specific toys, and appealing bright colors made exclusively with water-based dyes and soy ink. Intense years of thorough research and testing guarantee that PlanToys meet and maintain the company’s stringent safety standards that reach above and beyond federal regulations. At PlanToys, Inc., providing an unequivocally safe work environment for employees is as important as creating a 100% safe toy. Productive, risk-free work stations, meticulous maintenance on all manufacturing equipment, a fulltime company nurse, professional child care services, conservation training and a subsidized lunch program that reinforces recycling values are all company commitments that demonstrate the PlanToys, Inc. dedication to safety for employees, the environment and ultimately, the consumer. SMART PlanToys engage and entertain the total child to encourage physical, emotional and intellectual development. Beautifully crafted to remain timeless collectibles, PlanToys offer a wide range of classic wooden themes expressed in contemporary, innovative designs. Child developmental experts guide the initial design of each toy to strategically incorporate educational concepts with traditional play values. Because PlanToys consistently build imagination, inspire creativity and reward discovery, the company has won numerous international awards throughout the U.S.A., Europe, Japan and Thailand.
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