Hape Contributes to Sustainable Development Efforts
(Shanghai, China), Hape Group founder & CEO Peter Handstein has attended a round table discussion aimed at creating a more sustainable global toy industry. The forum, titled ‘Sustainable Toy Supply Chain Amidst Global Challenges’ was held at the 17th China International Toy Fair (China Toy Expo) in Shanghai on October 16. The event was organized by sustainable-trade organization amfori and peak toy industry body, the China Toy & Juvenile Products Association (CTJPA).
The Round Table brought together 20 senior executives from amfori and CTJPA who are committed to pursuing sustainable toy supply chains. Attendees included Ms. May LIANG, President of the CTJPA, Mr. Christian Ewert, President of amfori, Ms. Nadene Smith, Head of Quality Assurance Asia for Woolworths, Ms. Charis YANG, General Manager of Li & Fung, and more.
The Round Table was aimed at discussing the global challenges facing the industry and at sharing best practices and solutions to support businesses in staying competitive and sustainable.
Three attendees delivered speeches from the perspectives of retailers, traders and manufacturers. Ms. Smith put forward the opinion that successful retailers should always listen to customers, and Mr. Handstein responded by saying, “New generation share more and know more today.”Mr. Handstein explained, “Children account for 20% of society today, but they are 100% of the future. Therefore, what we do will impact the society.”
Since being founded 32 years ago, Hape has always placed the end consumer - children first. We never compromise on quality, safety, or sustainability. We use safe, eco-friendly materials, such as recycled cardboard, organic inks, and 100-percent water-based colors. We also strive to use water purification and circulation systems that are in line with sustainable development.
The focus on industry sustainability comes as toy manufacturers are dealing with challenges including increasing costs for raw materials, labor and commodities and price pressure from consumers.
How do we achieve sustainability while facing these challenges? Mr. Handstein highlighted the need to create more awareness among traders, manufactures and industry bodies like amfori as well as among end consumers. Purchasers should feel proud of buying products from a sustainable brand.
The Round Table Conference concluded successfully, having brought together many valuable and inspiring ideas and proposals from attendees. We truly hope this will lead to more sustainable development and awareness of the issues, and make the earth a better place to live in.
Amfori:
As the leading global business association for open and sustainable trade with 40 years of experience, amfori brings together over 2,200 retailers, importers, brands and associations from more than 40 countries. Amfori’s membership contains organizations of all sizes and all sectors with a combined turnover of more than one trillion euros. Amfori’s mission is to enable each of our members to enhance human prosperity, use natural resources responsibly and drive open trade globally. Amfori’s strategic partners in China include CNTAC, Nanjing University, Sun Yat-Sen University, European Chamber, etc.
