Keeping toys in play

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Why do so many of the toys that spark our children’s imagination, inspire their creativity, and create cherished memories end up as waste after an average use of only six months?

At the Closed Loop Center for the Circular Economy, we see a future in which keeping toys in play for multiple lifecycles could be scalable, sustainable and profitable, and becomes the norm in the U.S. That’s why we hosted a roundtable with key players from across the toy value chain—from manufacturers and brands to recovery networks and retailers—to learn more about opportunities and challenges facing stakeholders who share an interest in the reuse, repair and resale of toys.

The Challenge: A Linear Take-Make-Waste System in a Circular World

Toys are more than just playthings; they are vessels of learning and joy––and value. Yet, the lifecycle of most toys in the U.S. is alarmingly short.

~90%

of toys are made from plastic, often combined with materials that complicate any current recycling efforts

6 months

is the average lifespan of a toy, after which many are discarded

80%

of toys end up in landfills, incinerators or nature, contributing to pollution and resource wastage

~80%

of toys are imported

At Circularity 25, the Closed Loop Center facilitated a workshop with prominent toy value chain players to discuss this motivating question, identify the barriers to supporting reuse, and consider how the industry might benefit from building a circular future in which toys are kept in play for the enjoyment of many children.

Why Advance Toy Circularity?

Reduce Environmental Impact

Waste Mitigation: Prioritizing reuse and repair over recycling minimizes waste generation and conserves resources.

Carbon Footprint Mitigation: Extending the lifespan of toys reduces the need for new production, lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with manufacturing processes.

Supporting Evolving Consumer Behavior: A significant portion of consumers, particularly younger demographics, prioritize environmental responsibility in their purchasing decisions.

Sustain Profitable Growth

Revenue Stream Diversification: Participating in the resale market allows brands to capture value from products beyond the initial sale, tapping into the growing secondhand economy.

Regulatory Alignment & Protection: Proactively adopting circular practices positions brands favorably in anticipation of potential future Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and sustainability mandates.

Deepen Connection with Consumers

Emotional Resonance: Toys hold sentimental value. Programs that facilitate the repair or resale of cherished toys can strengthen customer satisfaction and loyalty.  

Accessibility & Affordability: Offering refurbished toys at lower price points makes products more accessible, expanding market reach.

Educational Initiatives: Engaging consumers through storytelling and education about circularity can drive behavioral change and participation. This applies both to consumers and employees—it takes the whole ecosystem to change cultural norms.

Strengthen Operations & Resilience

Data-Driven Transparency & Design: Systems such as Digital Product Passports can provide transparency through data on product usage, durability, and failure points—informing design improvements.

Local Repair Ecosystems: Partnering with local repair shops can build decentralized repair networks, support local economies less affected by tariffs, and reduce logistical complexities.

Standardization & Certification: Developing industry-wide standards and certification programs for refurbished toys can ensure quality and safety, building consumer trust.

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