ASTRA, American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, announced that PlanToys, the global leader in sustainable toy manufacturing, has been named the winner of the 2023 ASTRA Excellence Awards for Manufacturer of the Year. The award program is the only one designed to recognize and honor outstanding contributions made by members of the specialty toy industry.
“We could not have achieved this accomplishment without the help of our factory in Trang, the many global PlanToys teams and partners, our specialty toy retailers, and most importantly, our community, who all support sustainably-made, heirloom quality toys,” said Rudy Valenta, VP of Americas at PlanToys. “It’s an honor to have PlanToys recognized as the 2023 Manufacturer of the Year by ASTRA. 2023 marks the 42nd year that PlanToys has been in business as a manufacturer, and to win this award now means that our consistency and commitment to sustainability are being noticed and appreciated not just by the industry but by consumers too. The award gives our global teams and partners added motivation to continue to push sustainable manufacturing in the toy space by showing through action that it can be done by a global manufacturer if it is made a priority by leadership. Every day we take another step forward as we aim to be transparently carbon neutral by 2025.”
For more information about PlanToys and their sustainability, visit https://www.plantoys.com/pages/sustainability. Media inquiries can be directed to MarCom@PlanToys.com.
Founded in 1981, PlanToys is a toy manufacturer built on the foundation of sustainability. Founded by Vitool Virapornsavan and led by Kosin Virapornsawan, PlanToys is proud to say that they have never cut down a tree to make any of its products. Since day one, PlanToys has been upcycling and repurposing rubber wood from Thailand’s rubber and latex industry. PlanToys strives to show the world that being a sustainable manufacturer is possible when it is a foundational part of your business. With the mission of “Better Kids, Better World through Sustainable Play,” PlanToys is taking initiatives to create a circular economy in products and services, including its manufacturing materials from sustainably sourced wood to natural rubber and beyond.
Founded in 1992, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is an international not for-profit trade organization that develops and supports a membership of independent retailers, manufacturers and sales representatives in the toy industry. As the guiding star of the specialty Play industry, ASTRA is a community of dedicated professionals committed to providing children with healthy, quality play materials that have a high play value and are designed with a focus on what the child can do, rather than what the toy can do. Through certification programs, educational resources and networking opportunities, ASTRA engages, elevates, and promotes members to make a positive impact on the economy and culture of the communities they serve. For more information, visit http://www.astratoy.org.