PRESS RELEASE Ecological toys – play it safe with NCP

Only the best for children: the first ecologically certified toy is on the market. The pioneer is “neogrün”, a start-up from Saxony-Anhalt that focuses on natural, pollutant-free products, with its finger paints and modeling clay. The “Nature Care Product” (NCP) quality seal used enables manufacturers of environmentally friendly products for children to provide clear, credible labeling, thus helping parents to make the right choice. The standard for ecological everyday products developed by the Society for Applied Business Ethics is now also setting its demanding standards in the toy sector: natural ingredients, environmentally friendly production and packaging, independent testing and a high level of transparency. Today, most everyday objects are still produced in low-wage countries, where the substances used pose an incalculable risk to people and the environment. Particularly in the case of toys with which children come into intensive contact, it must be ruled out that hazardous components enter the body. More and more parents are interested in knowing the ingredients of the respective products.
There are still few legal requirements or indications as to whether a toy is really safe. Although the EU Toy Safety Directive EN 71 prohibits carcinogenic substances, it is also subject to criticism: although it regulates the permitted components and their maximum proportions, it does not guarantee that a toy is completely free of harmful substances. For example, parabens, azo dyes and petrochemicals are also permitted. NCP offers guidance for parents and families that goes well beyond these specifications. Only ingredients from natural sources are permitted, compounds that are harmful to health and the environment are categorically excluded – no microplastics, silicone etc. in the product. There are also other clear requirements: No animal testing, no genetic engineering and packaging is reduced to a minimum. The comprehensive standard thus closes an important regulatory gap in the non-food sector and identifies organic products that are produced as naturally as possible and have a minimal impact on the environment. With its many years of expertise, the Society for Applied Business Ethics offers toy manufacturers the opportunity to obtain advice and have their products certified – and to contribute their experience to the “organic raw materials” working group.