“A Sustainable Solution:

Wooden Magnetic Toys ”

 Presented By : Group 8
 Patel Tilak Vyomeshkumar [110124093]
 Patel Bhargav Dayabhai [110123694]
 Modi Deep Rakeshkumar [110123929]
 Patel Shubh Jitendra [110123916]

 Submitted to:
 Dr. Victoria Abboud

 Submitted on: 1st August 2023

Content
 Introduction
 Scope of project
 Effects on SDG’s
 Stakeholders
 Solution
 Product modification analysis through four smart design lens
 Nature
 Technology
 Human
 Business
 Conclusion
 Introduction:

 The increasing use of magnetic plastic toys,

like magnetic bricks/tiles, poses significant
environmental and health concerns for
children.
 These toys contribute to plastic pollution,
potential toxic risks, and pose safety
hazards, even the small magnets contribute
a lot after a long period of time.
 A 2013 survey of more than 100 retail
locations found over 700 different magnetic
toys being sold in Canada.[1]
Scope of Project

 Develop eco-friendly alternatives for magnetic

plastic toys, incorporating wood and non-toxic
materials.
 Focus on the entire lifecycle of toys, from
production to disposal, to address environmental
concerns.
 Collaborate with Canadian toy manufacturers to
implement sustainable practices and promote
responsible consumption.
 Ensure toys meet safety standards and eliminate
potential health risks associated with toxic
substances.
 Align the project with United Nations SDGs,
particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being)
and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and
Production).
 Integrate innovative technology to maintain optimal
 Effects On SDG’s

Figure 1: UN SDG 3 [2]. Figure 2: UN SDG 12 [3].

SDG 3 Good Health and Well- Being SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

  Plastic magnetic toys impact SDG with

Potential toxic substances in plastic
bricks/tiles may endanger children's plastic pollution, hazardous chemicals,
health. waste generation, and limited circular
economy.
 Fragile magnets can pose a choking
 Transitioning to wood supports
risk if swallowed, affecting well-being.
responsible consumption and
production.
Stakeholders
 Primary Stakeholders :
 Children
 Health-conscious Parents and Consumers
 Kinder Gardens
 Recyclable Wood Industries: Engaging with 18% of Ontario's businesses

 Secondary Stakeholder :
 Toy Manufacturers
 Toy Safety Regulators
 Distributors
 Environmental Organizations
 Forestry and Logging Industry
Solution
Proposed Solution:
 One possible approach to addressing the issue
of plastic toys with magnetic components is to
explore the option of replacing them with
wooden materials that are sourced from well-
managed forests in a responsible manner. In
addition, wood can be reused again, joined, or
recycled.

Possible Improvements:
 Magnets used in magnetic blocks are loosened
from the block over some time so can be Figure 3: Wooden Magnetic Tiles/ Blocks[5].
ingested by kids or gets misplaced. However,
to avoid this problem while manufacturing a
thin plastic layer should be fixed above the
magnet of the block as a cover cap. It will also
assist in the usage of rare magnets.
Product Modification
Analysis through Four
Smart Design Lenses
 Nature
 Technology
 Human
 Business
Nature
 Wood is derived from renewable and natural sources like responsibly managed
forests.
 Reduce the ecological impact compared to fossil-fuel-based plastics.
 Wood being high-quality, they’re durable and biodegradable, making them a
great alternative to plastic toys [4].
 Common Woods Used in Children’s Toys:
 Hardwood
 Softwood
 Beech
 Maple
Figure 4: How Wood is Recycled[6].
 Birch
 Rubberwood
 Rare earth Magnets are mined by digging vast open pits in the ground are
formed.
 When poorly regulated, mining can produce wastewater ponds filled with
acids, heavy metals and radioactive material that might leak into groundwater
which impacts to SDG 12.
Technology
 Technological Compatibility:
 Seamless integration with existing woodworking
equipment and techniques. Drilling holes, applying
adhesives, and embedding magnets with current
technologies.[5]
 Design Flexibility:
 Versatile wood allows for innovative and creative toy
designs.
 Advanced woodworking technologies enable precision and
intricate detailing.
 Long-Term Durability:
 Engineered for durability, reducing the need for frequent
replacements.
 Advanced treatments enhance resistance to wear and tear.
Human
 Direct Impact: SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being
 Safer for children and health-conscious parents
 Eliminates potential health risks associated with plastic toys
 Prevents hazards of magnetic ingestion
 Promotes Cognitive Development and Creativity
 Long-lasting enjoyment for children, ensuring durability and sustainability.
 Wooden magnetic toys offer a unique blend of creativity and problem-solving.
 Environmental sustainability
 Reducing plastic waste in landfills
 Enhancing sustainability of land ecosystems
 Biodegradability
 Health and safety benefits
Business
 Market Analysis for Wooden Toys
 The market for wooden toys was estimated to be worth USD 24 billion globally in 2023, and it is
predicted to increase to USD 30 billion by the end of 2029. Which region of North America is predicted
to have the most market share worldwide for wooden toys.
 Distribution channel
 Physical stores
 Online platform
 Market Influences for Wooden Toys
 Harmful substitute present in plastic toys
 Internet
 Market Restraints for Wooden Toys
 High manufacturing cost
 Technology
Overall, the market for wooden toys offers a great opportunity for companies that place a high
priority on environmental responsibility and child development.
Conclusion
In this pursuit of a greener and safer playtime, the choice is clear -
wooden magnetic toys offer a persuasive solution for a sustainable
and eco-friendly future. By replacing plastic with responsibly
sourced wood, we actively contribute to environmental
preservation and reduced plastic waste. The use of non-toxic
materials ensures the safety and well-being of our little ones during
play. With durability, biodegradability, and a reduced carbon
footprint, these toys become a symbol of our commitment to a
better world
References :
[1] Carly, “What wood are children’s toys made of?,” Wicked Uncle Blog,
https://www.wickeduncle.co.uk/blog/what-wood-are-childrens-toys-made-of/#:~:text=In
%20addition%20to%20being%20high,of%20wood%20for%20different%20reasons. [Accessed
Jul. 26, 2023].
[2] Health - United Nations Sustainable Development,” United Nations,
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/health/ [Accessed Jul. 25, 2023].
[3] Goal 12: Climate action,” Goal 12: Climate action | Joint SDG Fund.
https://jointsdgfund.org/sustainable-development-goals/goal-12-climate-action
[4] C. Gramling, “Rare earth mining may be key to our renewable energy future. but at what cost?,”
Science News, https://www.sciencenews.org/article/rare-earth-mining-renewable-energy-
future#:~:text=Rare%20earths%20are%20mined%20by,that%20might%20leak%20into
%20groundwater. [Accessed Jul. 26, 2023].
[5] “Amazon.com: Earthtiles Wooden Magnetic Tiles by big future toys - 100 ...,” Amazon.ca,
https://www.amazon.com/Earthtiles-Wooden-Magnetic-Tiles-Colors/dp/B09KD8M23Z
[Accessed Jul. 30, 2023].
[6] K.-R. Niedziółka et al., “Recycling and reuse of construction and demolition waste - researchgate,”
Researchgate.net,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314065807_Recycling_and_Reuse_of_Construction_an
d_Demolition_waste_sustainable_approach [Accessed Jul. 30, 2023].
THANK YOU