Sri Lankan brand Tikiri has become the first ever natural rubber toy company to be awarded GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) accreditation.
Distributed in Australia by Kaleidoscope, the brand wants to ensure its products are the safest, sustainable rubber toys suitable from newborn.
“It’s really important for Tikiri as they are the first ever natural rubber toy brand to achieve this,” says Mel Okimoto, Kaleidoscope communications and marketing manager.
“Tikiri wants to lead the way in natural organic rubber baby toys. They want to make sure that their toys are the safest, most eco-friendly, organic and also appealing toys out there on the market.”
The Tikiri range includes baby teethers which are suitable for bath and water play. Choose a gorgeous little character from My First Farm, My First Zoo or Ocean Buddies ranges or collect the whole set. All Tikiri teethers are fully sealed so they remain free from mould and are safe for mouthing babies. Each animal contains a rattle and has been designed for easy grip while its ears, tails and feet are perfect for chewing to soothe sore gums.
“Tikiri having GOLS accreditation gives parents peace of mind that the toys they are giving to their babies are safe and that they are doing their bit for sustainable shopping and making sure the things they are buying are eco-friendly.
“This is so important in today’s world where we all need to try and take steps to protect our planet for future generations,” she adds.
GOLS set the standards for where natural rubber is sourced from and also its onward manufacture. To become GOLS accredited, products must be made of more than 95 per cent certified organic raw material; not exceed the allowed limits for emission testing, polymer and filler percentages and harmful substances; and meet the standards set for rubber plantations processing units and the retailer.
GOLS make sure they can trace any latex used by a brand by using transaction certificates which are produced at every stage in the supply chain including the plantation, manufacturer and end retailer.
“The other very important thing GOLS does is perform yearly audits of any brand who has achieved its accreditation. This is to make sure that brands remain compliant once they have achieved the status,” Okimoto explains.
The Tikiri range will be available just before Easter and Kaleidoscope will be showcasing the products at the August gift fair in Melbourne.
