Polymer producer releases new recycled toy grade

A Salford-based polymer producer has released a new variant of its recycled products.

Axion Polymers has produced Axpoly r-PS01, a 100%-recycled polymer that meets British Standard testing for toy safety.

The BS EN 71 Toy Safety standard deals with many aspects of toy safety from flammability and toxicity to their potential to trap clothing or cause physical harm to a child.

Axion Director Keith Freegard said: “Proving the EN 71 standard had been met was the key order-winning aspect for the ultimate customer of the moulder, a large supermarket chain in central Europe.”

“They had insisted the moulder used a plastic that was both recycled and able to meet European toy standards. Ours was the only material available that ‘hit the spot on both counts’,” he added.

He concluded: “As a result, we have high hopes that our recycled white polymer will gain wider acceptance in the toy or promotional gift market.”

Axion states it is now working to satisfy the revised Toy Safety standard, which are due to be announced in July.

Steve Bell, Commercial Operation Manager said: “When we supplied Axpoly r-PS01 to a global stationery product manufacturer for its range of sustainable pencils, we had to satisfy the toy standards because people would chew on them.”

“It was also important to meet this specification for Marks & Spencer as PS01 was used in their new Solutions gift range. The polymer is sources from fridge linings that came into contact with food so it would never have contained any potential harmful metals from the outset,” he added.

“Therefore it is ideal for re-use in new items such as toys, gifts and gadgets."