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Apricot & Ivy's commitment to high-quality safe toys begins with our choice of manufacturers. Our manufacturers hold themselves to the utmost standard in producing quality safe toys. Please read what they have to say:
Haba
Munich, Germany
August 2007
"In light of the current debate on the safety and harmlessness or toys we are taking the opportunity to inform you, our customers, about the quality management processes and materials used in the HABA family of companies.
We manufacture our products according to these fundamental principals:
With the exception of wooden puzzles and Master Builder construction sets, wooden toys are produced at our production site in Bad Rodach. We work together with German partners who have already been supplying us with first class stains, varnishes and print colors for years. These raw materials are continually being further developed and correspond to all standards and laws for the safety of toys. The materials used for colored surface treatment of wooden toys and the clear varnish coating that follows are fundamentally water-based and therefore do not contain any harmful solvents.
A few of our wooden toys, such as wooden puzzles and the Master Builder construction sets are manufactured in China by qualified suppliers. However, these suppliers work to the same quality standards as HABA in Bad Rodach. It is not possible to manufacture these process–intensive products in Germany at a price that is in line with the market.
Fabric toys and some plastic items are manufactured be a few suppliers who are selected according to strict criteria. Suppliers must be certified in accordance with the ICTI Code of Business Practices – www.toy-icti.org. We regularly inspect and audit these suppliers. The individual materials used in fabric toys are inspected and monitored in Germany in their raw state (e.g. paints in liquid form). Unfortunately for reasons of cost it is not possible to manufacture these items in Germany. The sale price would be many times over a range that is acceptable to consumers.
Our materials and product inspections go way beyond the applicable provisions. However, a 100% inspection is not possible in China or Germany.
Our Guarantee:
The highly sophisticated materials that we use are free from harmful heavy metals (lead and chrome etc.) and correspond to the prescriptions of EU standards and the American ASTM.
Quality management:
We have installed a constant quality management system in our manufacture and goods entrance departments, which reports directly to the management. This guarantees fully independent test processes for the safety of children.
We produce our toys with the highest possible level of safety. When you choose HABA you are choosing a quality product that corresponds to all valid directives and provisions. That is guaranteed by the staff and management of the HABA family of companies!"
Mr. Habermaass
HABA Toys
Bad Rodach, Germany
PlanToys
Bangkok, Thailand
September 21, 2007
"In response to the latest concern regarding the use of lead paint in the manufacture of toys, PlanToys would like to reassure all retailers and consumers that PlanToys is manufactured with the highest safely and environmental standards, in mind. We build 100% of our products within our own factory, so we control the entire process form wood selection, manufacturing to shipping.
PlanToys are manufactured from replenishable rubberwood.
PlanToys uses a natural kiln dry process, in place of chemical treatment, to preserve and stabilize the wood, thus making all PlanToys products preservative-free.
PlanToys uses natural, water-based dies in place of any type of paint to add accent colors.
PlanToys has won the following awards for safety, environmental sensitivity and innovative design:
ISO 9001 – Quality management
ISO 14000 – Environmental Management
OHSAS 18001 – Occupational Health and Safely management
SA 8000 - Social Accountability Management
ASTM & EN71 - Toy safety Standards
Parents’ Choice Awards
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Awards
PlanToys takes tremendous pride in providing safe toys that are manufactured with sensitivity towards our environment."
Sincerely,
Nittaya Zeugfang
President
PlanToys, Inc
Moulin Roty
Nort-sur-Erdre, France
December 2007
"As a toy manufacturer, we are highly concerned by the quality of our products, always keeping to mind that children should be able to play safely with our toys.
All toys and articles used by children are tested in independent and certified laboratories according to the European toy safety standard EN71. These tests certify that our products are free from harmful or toxic materials, such as lead.
Our products are manufactured by a few suppliers who are selected according to strict criteria and who we regularly visit to secure the highest quality level during production.
Furthermore, all products arriving on our premises are controlled according to our Quality Management System. All Moulin Roty items bear a tracking label which ensures it’s traceability at all stages of the product life.
We take great pleasure in designing our little friends and making sure that it is likewise for all our customers!"
Moulin Roty s.a.
Italtrike
Italy
May 2008
"There are reasons why Italtrike tricycles are used in so many child care centers worldwide. With a long history of quality, design, and engineering, all items pass the most rigorous US, European, and international safety standards and are backed by an exclusive 1 Year Wheel to Wheel No Hassle Warranty. All parts are covered for 1 year with no exceptions. Heavy gauge steel, welded construction, and corrosion resistant, non toxic coatings insure years of attractive use. Innovative European styling provides more play value to children. Exclusive steering design eliminates pinch points and reduces risk of tipping. Solid rubber tires, one-piece steel axles, ball bearing hubs, and fully adjustable saddles offer the ultimate in maneuverability, durability, and ease of use. The handle bars and walker bars of the Pilot line are rubber coated for slip resistance."
Stefano Gandolfi
President
Paderno del Grappa-TV
Vilac
Moirans en Montagne, France
September 2007
"All our toys, including the ones that are made in the Far East, do comply with the European EN71-1/2/3 safety regulations that are similar to, and even stronger than the USA ASTM regulations. All our toys are tested by independant laboratories. When a toy is entering on the European Community area, we must prove that it does pass the safety testings.
In the Vilac factory, in which all the lacquered toys are manufactured, we have a strong quality control at each step of the manufacturing process. We also have a tracability system that makes possible to know exactly when, by who, and with which material any of our toys were made. Needless to say lead and any other heavy metals were banned from our paints a long time ago.
Petitcollin is the oldest and the last French dolls manufacture. Most of our dolls are manufactured in our factory, that is being visited every year by several thousands of tourists. They also comply to the same quality standards as the Vilac toys. Our vinyl babies and dolls are made of phtalat free vinyl."
Kind regards.
Yvan Lacroix,
Export Manager.
Vilac
Clementine Art Kits
Boulder, Colorado
September 2008
“Clementine Art introduces a new way of doing art with children. Our inviting, open-ended materials encourage children to create real art. Our fresh and natural art supplies support the healthy development of your child.
Clementine is art you can feel good about. Our high quality art supplies are all natural, certified non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Clementine packaging is made of 100% post consumer recycled and reusable materials.”
Diana Mercer
President
Clementine Studio Inc.
Little Colorado
Denver, Colorado
November 2007
“Little Colorado, Inc is a family run business that has been manufacturing handcrafted solid wood children's furniture since 1987. Our hallmark has always been our attention to quality. Our success has been in building products that are classic and stylish and look like they cost a fortune, but don't. We are our proud of our reputation in the juvenile industry as a quality manufacturer that stands behind their products.
All products are made in America by Americans. We use American made paints totally free of lead. Our craftsmen thoroughly check every piece. We're proud of the personal attention we give to every item. All products are warranted and insured. There has never been a recall or any safety incident in the 20 year history of the company. Our products are finished when we brand them with our logo.”
Mr. Richard Shaw
President
Little Colorado, Inc.
Kathe Kruse
Donauworth, Germany
April 2008
"Since the founding of the Käthe Kruse Company in the year 1905, the name Käthe Kruse has become synonymous with the production of high quality, age-appropriate toys for children. All Käthe Kruse toys are manufactured under stringent quality and safety standards, while articles are conceptualized, designed and produced on site. Because of this unique feature, Käthe Kruse can boast that superior products are still manufactured in Europe.
Our toys comply with EN71 (European Norm) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and we exclusively use all natural fabrics tested by Ökö-Tex. Furthermore, we only use beech wood that is polished to a finish with natural beeswax. As a matter of course, all our materials are lead free, non-toxic and tested for harmful substances."
Stephen Christenson, Andrea Christenson
Geschaftsfuhrer top
Selecta Spielzeug AG
Edling, Germany
June 2008
"From our beginnings, we have traditionally manufactured the majority of our products in our own factory so that, with the exception of a very few products, all of our products proudly bear the "Made in Germany" mark. We monitor all of our products from the development stage right through to manufacture so that we can offer our customers the best possible guarantee of quality. During the manufacturing process all components are subject to continuous quality control procedures which is how we are able to guarantee our high quality standards.
Selecta toys are manufactured in compliance with current European and international standards. Our products are tested in accordance with the European standard for toys, from the earliest development phases through to their introduction to market. Our products are also tested by the TUV Product Service for compliance with European Standard EN71 and are certified with the GS safety mark. Our products are also tested and certified to ensure compliance with US standard ASTM.
Selecta only uses environmentally-friendly and totally safe paints and lacquers. We were one of the first manufacturers to provide our products with an additional coating of beeswax, which naturally finishes the surface with a very soft, velvety coating. Using a special transfer printing process, we are able to print colorful illustrations onto the wood itself. This process enables us to produce very bright and brilliant colors, as well as providing a strong scratch-resistant surface which can withstand saliva.
Our objective is to sustain and protect our environment and to this end we have already put in place a number of measures and are continuously working to improve these further. We primarily work with native woods, especially maple and in order to ensure that we do not fell more tress than are re-planted, we support sustainable forestry by working with PEFC/FSC-certified timber companies. We use the woodchips left over from our production processes to meet our company's entire heating requirement and continuously monitor and improve our production processes to make further energy savings and prevent CO2 emissions."
Matthias Menzel
Chief Executive Officer
top
Scandinavian Child
Svan (Sweden), Cariboo (New Zealand)
July 2008
"As a proud member of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Associations (JPMA), we test and certify all of our products to the stringent safety standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). We feel strongly about distributing only the safest products and display the JPMA certification, where applicable, to assure parents they are buying the absolute best products for their child.
In fact, we go the extra mile to ensure that all products are tested to any relevant ASTM standards even if they are not covered in the JMPA certification program. Working to champion the cause of safety standards in children's products, Brenda Berg, president and CEO of Scandinavian Child, serves on the JPMA board and is a member of several ASTM committees.
Svan
For the parent who demands only the best, Svan® combines functionality, safety and durability with timeless Scandinavian style. Crafted in elegant bentwood, known for its dramatic look and resilient strength, every piece will fit right in with the exceptional home – and the exceptional life. With special attention to safety features, comfort and healthy development, Svan® products are designed with the well-cared-for baby in mind. The ease of use, extended product life and streamlined design simplify life beautifully for discriminating parents.
Cariboo
Cariboo welcomes baby in sustainable style. All Cariboo designs are inspired by a commitment to the safety and protection of children and the environment. Handcrafted in rural Canterbury in New Zealand's South Island, the Cariboo line is constructed from sustainable, local materials including radiata pine and organic New Zealand wool."
Brenda Berg
President and Chief Executive Officer
Scandinavian Child
Jelly Cat
London, England
September 2007
"Jellycat was established in London in 1999. Since 1999 all Jellycat products have been manufactured in various Far East countries which include; China, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.
Since 1999 Jellycat has contracted wit STR, Specialized Technology Resources of Hong Kong to regularly test all production runs against EN71, European Testing Standards and STM, American Testing Standards. Testing standards require regular test for design flaws, lead, toxicity, soluble elements, etc. Jellycat also employs company production specialists to insure quality and safely standards are met on site.
Since 1999 no Jellycat product has failed EN71 or ASTM testing and no Jellycat product has been recalled by CPSC or its European equivalent. "
Best regards
Dean K. Rizer
President
This site is dedicated to archiving media coverage about issues surrounding the use of the chemical Bisphenol-A in toys and baby bottles:
www.bisphenolafree.org
This informative site is a comprehensive resource on Bisphenol-A and scientific studies expounding on the harmful effects of this chemical:
www.bisphenol-a.org
