The comparison of circularity between plastic and wooden toys was the main objective of the project to allow the company to evaluate a strategy of user involvement in order to favour a greater durability and end-of-life management of the toys.
Once the different types of toys were selected, the circularity measurement was carried out considering the characteristics of the materials used, the possible maintenance phase and the end-of-life management, assuming the disassemblability of the toys for the separation of the components.
The analysis phase made it possible to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of toys in terms of circularity and to highlight the best environmental performance for each product. Subsequently, the characteristics of the materials used were evaluated, especially in relation to the final recycling phase of the products. For the maintenance phase, technical solutions were identified to facilitate adult interaction with the product.
At the end of the project, guidelines and suggestions were drawn up, which the company will introduce in the packaging to facilitate the best circular handling of the toy.
The activity of measuring the circularity of the toys was carried out with CircularTool by Matrec and was based on the principles and requirements of the main regulations relating to the circular economy and in particular with respect to technical specifications developed by Matrec in collaboration with Bureau Veritas.