DS Smith has teamed up with Fantasy Forts, a creator of construction toy kits for children, to help bring ‘sustainable, imaginative, and open-ended play’ to life.
Fantasy Forts aims to spark children’s inspiration with DIY construction kits for building houses and fortresses. Their toys are intended to engage youngsters in imaginative play and encourage them to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as develop confidence around the building of personalised creative spaces.
The DS Smith team refined the design and composition of the play kits, including the folding structures, die-cutting methodologies, and accessory integration using 100% recyclable corrugated cardboard materials.
DS Smith revealed that it also minimised the volume of materials required to make the products and eliminated corrugated plastic elements in the structure. In addition, the latest design incorporates a click-system design that enables the play sets to be integrated into furniture and suitable for both indoor and outdoor play scenarios.
Marco van den Berg, founder, Fantasy Forts, said, “The concept seemed simple, but the technical execution required a lot of thought. We were looking for a partner who could translate our creative vision into a product that was sustainable, easy to manufacturable, and scalable.
“From day one our new packaging was extremely well received by our consumers who are mostly parents, and the feedback has been superb. Our play kits are sparking unlimited creative potential and providing children with hours of creativity and screen-free play. The panels can also be made compact for storage and folded away neatly when not in use.”
The toy kits are manufactured and produced in the Netherlands and packed in a social workplace represented by Social Work Netherlands (ESN).
Remko Berkhout, marketing and communications manager, DS Smith Benelux, added, “We are excited to collaborate with Fantasy Forts on this innovative cardboard solution and to support this valued customer in their strategic vision to create a sustainable and versatile product. Due to the technical expertise of our designers, the corrugated cardboard elements of the play kits are not only inventive in their design, but remarkably durable and this is vital given the need for them to withstand so many different options for creative reinvention.”
The play kits can be purchased from a variety of online retailers, including the Fantasy Forts e-commerce shop.
