As a sponsoring member of the Fair Toys Organisation, Spielwarenmesse eG will act as an important intermediary in the toy industry.

Spielwarenmesse eG has become the latest sponsoring member of the Fair Toys Organisation (FTO). The FTO was set up in 2020 as a multi-stakeholder initiative for the improvement of social and environmental standards in the toy industry’s supply chain. Longstanding exhibitors at the Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg, such as Haba, Heunec, Sigikid and Zapf Creation were among the founding members.

“The Supply Chain Duty of Care Act involves all businesses in that duty of care,” explains Maik Pflaum, FTO director, head of the Overseas Division at the Romero Initiative and Nuremberg city councillor. “The Fair Toys Organisation offers ways in which companies can meet their obligations. Spielwarenmesse eG is an important intermediary in the industry in this regard.”

The first steps in this collaboration between the two Nuremberg-based partners were taken at this year’s Spielwarenmesse trade fair, at which the FTO was represented with its own stand for the first time.

“Through our sponsoring membership, we are pleased to support transparency in social affairs and sustainability, which should be a given for employers across the world,” commented Christian Ulrich, spokesperson of the Executive Board at Spielwarenmesse eG.

The aim of FTO members, which represent the toy industry and civil society, is to award a credible seal of approval based on a review process for companies that behave responsibly across the board. “We are delighted that in joining us, Spielwarenmesse eG is sending the toy industry a clear signal on the duty of care under human rights law,” concluded Helga Riedl, Fair Toys Organisation director, Nuremberg city representative, Nuremberg Fair Toys Confederation.