Eight toy companies and one initiative are in the running to scoop the top awards at the online ceremony next week.
The finalists for the 2021 Play for Change Awards have been announced by Toy Industries of Europe (TIE) with entries from Adventerra Games, BioBuddi, Dantoy, The Lego Group, Franckh-Kosmos Verlags, Mattel and Miniland selected as contenders for the top spots in the second year of the awards.
Winners have been chosen by three juries made up of independent experts in the categories of sustainability, empowerment and future skills, and chaired by Toy World’s publisher and industry stalwart, John Baulch. A special commendation will also be awarded to celebrate some of the efforts toy companies made to help with the Covid-19 crisis.
TIE recognises that toy companies today are innovating beyond product and increasingly considering the impact their company has on kids’ futures and the planet. 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 for the planet. They are not based on sales, press coverage or profitability, but judged on ideas, initiatives and products that contribute to society in three clearly defined categories. In this way, they differ from the multiple national and international awards for toys that already exist.
TIE’s director general, Catherine Van Reeth, said: “For the second year running, companies from across the toy sector have risen to the Play for Change Awards challenge. Despite the challenges of the last year, the number of entries grew by 50% on the competition’s first year, and once again the quality of submissions was outstanding. It is inspiring to see so many companies going the extra mile to positively impact children’s lives, their futures and the planet. Deciding on the winners was no easy feat for the judges, who have once again done a stellar job”.
The final results will be announced during a virtual ceremony next week on Wednesday, 6th October via www.playforchangeawards.eu. Updates will also be posted on TIE’s LinkedIn page.
