Early Learning Centre: Made Responsibly and Sustainably

At Early Learning Centre (ELC), it’s not just our logo that’s green. We are dedicated to creating toys that inspire learning through play while being mindful of the planet. Our “Made Responsibly” commitment ensures our products are crafted with care using sustainably sourced materials. From soft plush toys to wooden puzzles, we look to build a better world for future generations – one toy at a time.

What is a Sustainable Toy?

Sustainable toys reduce environmental impact by using renewable resources, recycled materials, or responsibly sourced components. They are built to last, encouraging reuse and mindful play rather than contributing to waste.

Durability is also the ultimate way to be sustainable. At Early Learning Centre, our toys are made to last. They are favourite toys that have been passed from parent to child to friends and family, and then donated to nurseries, charity shops and jumble sales. This high standard of quality means our toys can be played with and loved for many years.

How are Sustainable Toys Made?

Creating sustainable toys involves thoughtful choices at every stage:

• Recycled Materials: Replacing newly created plastics with recycled materials like PET, which comes from repurposed plastic bottles.
• Sustainable Wood & Card: Using FSC-certified wood to ensure materials are sourced responsibly and forests are protected for future generations.
• Innovative Textiles: Plush toys filled with PET fibres from recycled bottles, reducing waste while maintaining softness and durability.
• Conscious Packaging: Minimalist and recyclable packaging to reduce waste and environmental impact, with paper and card made from FSC sources.

The wonderful thing about wooden puzzles is just how durable and timeless they are. These puzzles range from shape sorters to small building blocks and are vibrant, colourful, and engaging as they feature animals, shapes, and numbers. Hands-on puzzles teach children how to make decisions and naturally builds on their creativity and fine motor skills.

What Are We Doing at ELC to be More Sustainable?

We are continuously working to make our toy range more sustainable by:

• Soft Plush Toys: Stuffed with PET filling made from recycled plastic bottles.
• Wooden Toys: Crafted from FSC-certified sustainable wood.
• Recycled Materials: Incorporating plant fibre composites and recycled plastics into various toy designs.
• Packaging Updates: Reworking our packaging by reducing box sizes to ensure there is no wasted space, removing plastic ties and replacing with paper ties, removing plastic trays and moving from plastic window boxes to closed boxes.
• Responsible Labels: Introducing our “Made Responsibly” logo to highlight toys featuring sustainable materials on packaging and online.

How Can You Identify Sustainable Toys?

When shopping for eco-friendly toys, look for certifications and labels:

• ELC’s “Made Responsibly” Logo: A clear indicator that a toy has been thoughtfully crafted with sustainability in mind.
• FSC Logo: Indicates wood is sourced sustainably.
• Recycled Material Markings: Showcases the use of recycled plastics or textiles.

By choosing ELC toys marked with the “Made Responsibly” logo, you are supporting a commitment to responsible production and environmental stewardship. Together, we can inspire play and learning while caring for our planet.

Discover more about our responsibly made range at ELC today!

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