When parents choose toys for their children, most focus on safety certifications. But have you ever wondered: what are toys actually made of?
As someone who has worked in the toy industry for over 25 years, I deal with raw toy materials every day — from traditional plastics and wood to medical-grade silicone and eco-friendly innovations. Each material matters, not only for child safety but also for the future of our planet.
Today, together with Chengji, a top toy supplier, let’s uncover the truth behind raw toy materials, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to make smarter choices.
Four Common Toy Materials: Strengths and Weaknesses
★ Plastic
PP, ABS, and PE are widely used in building blocks, bath toys, and vehicles.
- ✅Strengths: durable, shapeable, affordable.
- ⚠️Weakness: difficult to degrade.
★ Wood
Beech, maple are great for puzzles and beads.
- ✅Natural texture, sturdy feel.
- ⚠️Needs protection from moisture and insects.
★ TPR & Silicone
TPR (soft vinyl): flexible, safe for dolls and bath toys.
Silicone: food-grade, easy to sterilize, ideal for teethers.
- ✅Both are soft, durable, and child-safe.
- ⚠️Silicone has a higher cost, though worth it for safety.
★ Metal
Aluminum alloy, stainless steel are used in die-cast cars and connectors.
- ✅ Strong, long-lasting.
- ⚠️Must be carefully polished to avoid sharp edges.
How Parents Can Identify Safe Toy Materials: 3 Quick Tips
Check Labels: Look for EN71, ASTM, CPSC. TPR/silicone toys should clearly state “medical-grade” or “food-grade”.
Smell the Toy: Poor quality toys smell sharp or chemical. Good TPR/silicone has almost no odor.
Touch the Surface: High-quality toys feel smooth, no burrs. TPR feels soft without stickiness, and silicone bounces back quickly after pressing.
Looking Ahead: Safer and Sustainable Materials
The future of toys will lean more on eco-friendly plastics, biodegradable polymers, and recycled resources. Choosing materials responsibly means protecting not only our children but also the environment they will inherit.
Final Thoughts
A good toy is not just fun — it is safe, durable, and made from the right materials. Parents can make better choices by knowing what’s inside their children’s toys and how each material performs.
For professional buyers and wholesalers seeking certified, material-safe toys, Chengji Toys has built its reputation since 1998 on toy material safety, innovation, and global compliance. With our in-house lab testing, 9,000㎡ factory, and 3,000+ partner factories, we ensure every toy meets EN71, ASTM, CPSIA, CE, and other international standards.
For wholesalers, distributors, and global importers, working with Chengji means:
✅ Certified safe raw materials
✅ OEM/ODM toy solutions across multiple categories
✅ Market insights and trend reports to guide sourcing decisions
Partner with Chengji Toys today → chengjitoy.com | [email protected] | +86-13715966567
