Horst Brandstätter Group — parent company of Playmobil — issued an update on its sustainability goals for the brand while simultaneously offering a look at some new products for 2022.
According to Horst Brandstätter, Playmobil and Lechuza (a sister company that makes injection-molded planters for home and garden) are expended to be carbon-neutral and emissions-free by 2027. Additionally, the brands will be “as circular as possible” by 2030 utilizing closed material cycles. Horst Brandstätter has already committed to investing around 50 million euros (approximately $57 million USD) toward climate protection in the years ahead.
Discover the Planet
In an effort to extend its sustainability initiatives directly into the toy department, Playmobil will introduce a new product segment this year called “Discover the Planet.” The extensive new range of toys is produced using an average of 80% sustainable materials, including post-consumer recycled materials and bio-based plastics. A portion of the materials used in the line comes from recycled plastic harvested from scrapped refrigerators.
According to Playmobil, the range “symbolizes growing up in a world where animals and nature are valued and protected.” Discover the planet will launch in July.
Duck on Call
Duck on Call is a new preschool theme that will launch as an animated series on YouTube beginning in March. The inaugural toy line is shipping now and is built around a character called Ducklas, a boy transformed into a duck by “the mysterious Mr. Hans.” The range includes a headquarters playset alongside police, fire, and other rescue vehicles.
“Kids were involved in the development of the play features from the very beginning, says Roger Blaster, head of business unit Playmobil. “Special focus was placed on their ergonomics and play needs.”
Knight Rider + Iconic Vehicles and Classic Cars
As previously reported, Playmobil is joining Universal Brand Development in celebrating the 40th anniversary of Knight Rider. The Knight Industries Two Thousand (K.I.T.T.) joins the Playmobil lineup with a working scanner light, authentic sounds from the series, and a trio of figures: Michael Knight, Devon Miles, and Bonnie Barstow.
Playmobil plans to toll our additional “iconic vehicles” later this year as part of its Classic Cars product range. Three of the newest offerings are the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.79, Mini Cooper, and the Mercedes–Benz Gullwing 300 SL.
This growing segment is geared toward kids and “kidults” alike.
