Biodegradable Toy Line Spurs New Era of Sustainable Kids' CPGs

 

Wild Republic’s Groundbreaking Biodegradable Toy Line Ushers in a New Era of Sustainable Children’s CPGs

Wild Republic is kicking off the New Year by transforming the toy industry with an innovative new line of eco-friendly products exemplifying corporate social responsibility

Wild Republic, a renowned brand in nature and wildlife-inspired toys and education for nearly half a Century, today announced the launch of its trailblazing and National Parenting Product Award (NAPPA) winning biodegradable toy line. With a long-standing commitment to reducing environmental impact and fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and animals, Wild Republic continues to lead the way in sustainable toy manufacturing by innovating both products and manufacturing approaches.

Established in 1979 by G.B. and Kamala Pillai, Wild Republic was founded with a clear mission: to foster wildlife education and conservation by forging a deep connection between children and animals through play. The first plush toy the company sold was a dolphin, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. Over four decades later, Wild Republic stands not only as a prominent supplier of stuffed animals in zoos, museums and aquarium gift shops across the globe,  but also as a pioneer relative to wildlife education and eco-conscious toy production.

The accomplishments of G.B. and Kamala Pillai were celebrated at the annual Toy of the Year Awards in New York, New York this past September where Mr. Pillai was presented with the prestigious Champion of Sustainability award by The Toy Association. This award, known as the Oscars of the toy industry, cements the Pillais lifelong commitment to children, wildlife, and our planet.

Among the flagship offerings of the new Wild Republic toy line is the Green Guardians playsets for kids ages 3+. Eco-friendly and completely biodegradable, once properly disposed of they will begin to break down within just a year. But, before that, kids will enjoy countless hours of fun and imaginative play. Kids can select from one of five themes including, Rainforest Tracker, Safari Ranger, Jungle Guide, Ocean Diver or Arctic Explorer. Each playset comes with a vehicle, a human guardian of the planet, and an animal. The packaging is also made from recycled materials and contains no single-use plastic.

But the innovation does not stop there. In 2024, Wild Republic is also introducing the first line of biodegradable plush, Earthkins. Earthkins are sure to be a child’s best friend for years, and when it is time to give the plush a new life, it will be responsibly broken down to become part of the earth again.

To celebrate these product launches, Wild Republic has selected a diverse group of customers that represent their partnership base including zoos, aquariums, and independent toy stores to receive a prioritized expedited shipment of Green Guardians playsets and merchandising to create sustainable store sections at their locations. This contribution is a celebration of Wild Republic’s partners that have inspired the company to embark upon a holistic approach to sustainability. Partners include Franklin Park Zoo, Stone Zoo, Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari, Learning Express Woodstock, Rainforest Adventures, Elephants Trunk, North Carolina Aquarium Society, and Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.

As part of its ongoing mission to protect the environment and promote sustainability, Wild Republic's CEO, Vishnu Chandran, emphasizes that this new biodegradable toy line is not just about play; it's a testament to the brand's unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and a shared vision of a world where humans and animals coexist peacefully.

"Our new biodegradable toy line represents a significant milestone in our—and the toy industry at large’s—journey towards a more sustainable future," said Vishnu Chandran. "We don't just focus on our own products and business, but rather we are working sector-wide to urge collective action to inspire and mandate greener and more sustainable manufacturing. Our company is on a mission to spearhead and redefine our industry's impact on the planet."

Indeed, Wild Republic's commitment to sustainability extends far beyond words as evidenced by their pioneering efforts that are revolutionizing toy manufacturing. Its new biodegradable toy line features products crafted with cutting-edge materials that are gentle on the environment while also maintaining the exceptional quality and educational value the brand is renowned for. Furthermore, Wild Republic has committed that no matter where a consumer lives, they have an option to return the product to Wild Republic to ensure proper disposal for breakdown.

In line with the brand's dedication to sustainability, the launch of this biodegradable toy line serves as an unequivocal step towards realizing their mission. By producing toys in a way that is gentle on the environment, which also inspire children to connect with nature and Mother Earth, Wild Republic aims to nurture the next generation of eco-conscious consumers.

Vishnu Chandran envisions a world where humans and animals coexist in harmony. "We are not just a toy company; we are storytellers, advocates and educators. It’s our responsibility to inspire children to connect with the wonders of the natural world by fostering their love for wildlife through imaginative play," he emphasized.

With its new biodegradable toy line, Wild Republic strives to inspire collective action for a sustainable planet. By infusing playtime with educational and environmentally-responsible elements, they hope to encourage young minds, and their caregivers, to become stewards of Planet Earth.

The launch of the biodegradable toy line is just one step in Wild Republic's ongoing sustainability journey. The company remains committed to continuous improvement, researching and developing innovative solutions to further reduce its own environmental footprint and serve as a model for others in the industry to do the same. In fact, the Wild Republic Conservation Fund provides ongoing contributions to animals and their habitats through each product purchase. Initiatives funded include preservation of bird habitats, animal rescue, protection of endangered gorillas, the rescue of homeless dogs and abused cows, and of course the conservation of our great rainforests, the lungs of the earth. 

Chandran concluded, "Our journey towards a more sustainable future is a collective effort. Together, we can build a world where humans and animals live in peace, and where our children inherit a planet rich in beauty and biodiversity. As my grandmother Ammama says during her daily prayer on Mother Earth ‘May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.’”

For more information about Wild Republic and their commitment to sustainability, please visit www.WildRepublic.com or engage with them on social media:

• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/WildRepublic
• Instagram: @wild_republic
• LinkedIn: @Wild Republic
• Twitter: @Wild_Republic
• YouTube: @wildrepublic
• Pinterest: @wildrepublic

About Wild Republic
For over 44 years, Wild Republic has been crafting nature-related toys that foster curiosity and educate children about the wonders of nature. With headquarters in Independence, Ohio, and a global presence, Wild Republic's mission remains unchanged: To inspire young minds and ensure a world where nature is cherished and sustained. Learn more online at www.WildRepublic.com.