The second annual Play for Change Awards are now open for entries from toy makers going the extra mile to help children and improve society.

Toy Industries of Europe (TIE) has announced that entries for its 2021 Play for Change Awards are now open, building on last year’s well-received first edition.

The Play for Change Awards celebrate toy makers developing toys and company practices that help kids confidently navigate the world around them, in ways that show respect for themselves, for others and the planet.

Director general of TIE, Catherine Van Reeth, says: “Toy companies today are innovating beyond the product and thinking about the impact their company has on kids’ futures and the planet. TIE’s Play for Change Awards celebrate inspirational companies of all sizes who are leading the way for the toy sector”.

Companies can submit entries in the categories of Sustainability, Empowerment and Future Skills. This year, as well as these main categories, a Covid-19 Special Commendation will be awarded. The commendation will recognise toy companies who responded to the pandemic with actions to support children and the wider community.

Sanjay Luthra, chairman of Toy Industries of Europe and managing director EMEA at Mattel, added: “I’m delighted to see the return of #playforchangeawards this year. If your company is doing inspirational things in empowerment, future skills or sustainability, I’d encourage you to enter.”

Entries are open until May 19th, and the winners will be announced in September. The awards are open to toy companies of all sizes, and smaller companies are especially encouraged to take part. Companies can enter at www.playforchangeawards.eu, where full details of how to take part are available.

Last year’s inaugural awards received a substantial number of entries despite the difficult pandemic circumstances. Entries came from a wide range of companies, and they approached the three judging categories from many different angles. Each award category had a dedicated, independent jury that represented a broad spectrum: disability rights, sustainability, education and play specialists, toy industry experts and more.

Speaking of the 2020 awards, Catherine Van Reeth said: “We want the Play For Change Awards to become an annual celebration, driving further innovation and change within our industry. As the initiative gets better known and more established, our aim is that a Play for Change award becomes something to aspire to: a recognisable sign of achievement in creating toys for a better world.”

You can read about last year’s winners here and view a video of them below.