ICON DECODER
COMPANY RATINGS | |
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Praises, no criticism |
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Some praise, no criticism |
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No rating |
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Praises, some criticism |
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Criticism, some praise |
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Criticisms |
Note: Ratings are based on company record, including parent companies.
They are not a comment on the product itself. |
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OTHER ICONS | |
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Australian Owned |
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Outstanding Product Feature |
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Industry Alert |
IssuesWhat do you value? > Animal testing > Conflict minerals > Factory farming > Food miles > Genetic engineering > Labour exploitation > Nanotechnology > Overfishing > Packaging & waste > Palm oil > See all |
CategoriesWhat do you buy? > Baby > Clothing > Food & Drink > Household > Office Supplies > Personal Care > Pets > Retail > Technology > Toys > See all |
Baby & Pre-school
The Guide > Toys > Toys > Baby & Pre-school |
Toys & China
Many toys are produced in factories operating under sweatshop-like conditions. Despite protests, the industry continues to source toys from factories with documented labour and human rights violations.
Three-quarters of the world's toys are made in China. Working conditions have been improving, but serious labour violations continue. Toy workers have to work long days in the peak season without appropriate pay ' often for more than 80 hours a week ' well above China's legal limit. Many factories impose fines for refusing and other 'misdemeanours', such as missing a day's work or spending too long on a toilet break. The ICTI CARE Process is the toy industry's ethical manufacturing program aimed at ensuring safe and humane workplace environments for toy factory workers worldwide. However, this process has been criticised by labour rights organisations. [The Guardian (Dec 2016)]
Three-quarters of the world's toys are made in China. Working conditions have been improving, but serious labour violations continue. Toy workers have to work long days in the peak season without appropriate pay ' often for more than 80 hours a week ' well above China's legal limit. Many factories impose fines for refusing and other 'misdemeanours', such as missing a day's work or spending too long on a toilet break. The ICTI CARE Process is the toy industry's ethical manufacturing program aimed at ensuring safe and humane workplace environments for toy factory workers worldwide. However, this process has been criticised by labour rights organisations. [The Guardian (Dec 2016)]
- Toys last a lot longer than kids' interest in them so keep them moving around. Pass them on to family and friends (and tell everyone you're happy to get hand-me-downs as presents), join your local Freecycle, seek out used toy fairs, buy and sell used toys online or join a local toy library.
- Choose Australian made toys, available at websites such as www.playtolearn.com.au, www.ecotoys.com.au, www.entropy.com.au, www.woodentoysaustralia.com.au [More links ...]
- Choose 'China-free' toys from companies such as Playmobil and Lego, who manufacture most of their products in Europe.
Alternatives beyond the mainstream 
Hello Charlie online shop [more info]
Modimade [more info]
Wanderlust People [more info]
About these listings
Find farmers' markets, food coops, farm gate products at Local Harvest
Features: Supporting Cambodian artisans. Some products organic.
Modimade connects consumers with Cambodian artisans that are creating ethical and fair employment.
Manufacturer: Modimade
Modimade connects consumers with Cambodian artisans that are creating ethical and fair employment.
Manufacturer: Modimade
Features: Ethically sourced
Australian based online store that stocks a broad range of homewares and giftwares, all ethically-sourced from around the world. All profits are invested in small loans that empower people in the developing world to hone their skills, build their trades, and break the cycle of poverty. Their range includes toys for babies.
Manufacturer: Wanderlust People
Australian based online store that stocks a broad range of homewares and giftwares, all ethically-sourced from around the world. All profits are invested in small loans that empower people in the developing world to hone their skills, build their trades, and break the cycle of poverty. Their range includes toys for babies.
Manufacturer: Wanderlust People
BRAND | COMPANY | OWNED | RATING |
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Aqua Doodle | Moose Toys | ![]() |
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Playgro | Playgro (Lew Group) | ![]() |
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Jolly Jumper | Jolly Jumper | CAN | ![]() |
Jollybaby | Jollybaby | HKG | ![]() |
Playskool | Hasbro Australia (Hasbro) | USA | ![]() |
Infantino | Infantino (Liberty Partners) | USA | ![]() |
Baby Einstein | Kids2 | USA | ![]() |
Bright Starts | Kids2 | USA | ![]() |
little tikes | MGA Entertainment | USA | ![]() |
Fisher Price | Mattel Australia (Mattel) | USA | ![]() |
Paw Patrol | Spin Master | CAN | ![]() |
Lamaze | TOMY International (TOMY) | JPN | ![]() |
TOMY | TOMY International (TOMY) | JPN | ![]() |