Sweet Success: How a Danish producer turns sugarcane into toys

“Toys must stimulate and challenge our children, but they must also consider the environment and health.”

That’s the mantra of Danish toymaker Dantoy – a family-run company with over 60 years’ experience in creating high-quality, sustainable toys.

The products, which draw inspiration from Scandinavian design principles, range from dump trucks or tractors to ice cream sets that the kids can use to whip up a storm on those hot summer days.

But here’s where things get interesting. The company’s BIO product line is made from sugarcane.

Yes, you heard it right, sugarcane.

The toys and other products are created using bio-based plastic derived from the plant itself. 100% recyclable. 100% sustainable.

Launched in 2018, Dantoy’s “I’m Green” BIO range is leading the way in circular bioeconomy products for kids, all of which contain no toxins and are microwave and dishwasher-safe.

Not only are the toys made from fully sustainable raw materials, but they are also highly durable, encouraging long-term use and reducing waste and resource consumption – a key aspect of the circular bioeconomy.

But the benefits don’t stop there.

Apart from sugarcane being a renewable, plant-based resource, as it grows, sugarcane absorbs CO₂ from the atmosphere.

By using this bio-based material, the manufacturing process has a positive environmental impact, effectively reducing carbon emissions compared to fossil-based plastic production, which only increases them.

Dantoy is also focused on goal 12 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which means that it strives to promote responsible consumption and production – a model for all producers - and shows how the Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan and the upcoming EU Bioeconomy Strategy can come to life all at once.

A majority of the company's production is still made out of virgin plastic. 20% is BIO and/or uses recycled material.

For more information on Dantoy, please visit their website.

Discover the EU's Bioeconomy Strategy.