Founder of PlanToys, Mr Vitool Viraponsavan, shares with EcoAsia his thoughts on preserving the environment through his toy empire.

1) How long have you been interested in eco and sustainable growth issues? What prompted and inspired you to set up PlanToys?

Almost three decades ago, Plan Creations Co Ltd, was founded by a small group of dedicated people determined to create safe, high-quality toys for children. We believed that our efforts would be of value not just to youngsters but to our whole society. Even though we were just a small organisation and realised we could not change the world, we believed that with positive thinking and action and through producing environmentally sound products, we could lead our young company to sustainable growth for the benefit of all.


Over the years our simple belief in positive thinking has not changed. In fact the word “positive” has become a cornerstone of our philosophy that has actually enhanced our growth. Today, PlanToys’ products and performance meet and exceed every international standard for toy safety.

2) Please share with us on PlanToys’ Green concepts and practises.

Our business policies and procedure have been based on a “Green Concept” from the beginning – even before concern about the environment became a global issue. The raw materials used in producing every one of our toys are completely eco-friendly and we are continuously improving our manufacturing process to exceed the latest international toy safety standards. We also completely avoid the use of dangerous chemicals in our products.

Our printed materials and packaging, employ soy- and water-based ink that is more readily biodegradable than chemical ink. Even our printing is done on recycled paper. Finally, we conduct and pursue a dedicated reforesting programme to restore the balance of nature to the earth. We are also show concern for society by minimising waste from our manufacturing process and by employing alternative energy sources in our factories.



PlanToys was founded with the goal of being a Green and socially responsible company.

3) What are your toys made of? Why are they different from other toys in the market?

All wood, from eco-friendly sources
All PlanToys products are made from rubber-wood that comes from rubber trees which are over 25 years old and cannot produce latex any longer. Originally, these rubber trees were cut down and burned to make charcoal, a process which emits excessive amounts of Carbon Dioxide that pollutes our atmosphere. PlanToys has given value to this rubber-wood by transforming it into safe, hygienic wooden toys via a chemical-free kiln drying process. Rubber-wood that is made into toys includes sawed rubber-wood, plywood, and MDF wood.

Safe glues, paints and dyes
In collaboration with Kasetsart University, PlanToys has developed E-Zero glue, containing less than five-millionths of a gram of formaldehyde, for use in the assembly of our toys. E-Zero Glue does not harm the health and is therefore highly suitable for toy manufacturing. Water-based paints, used to decorate PlanToys’ toys, are purchased from suppliers who are guaranteed by international toy safety standards - America’s ASTM and Europe’s EN71. These paints are safe, odourless, and free of mercury, lead, and other harmful metals.

Magnet-free
We are replacing all magnet connectors, used in PlanCity trains, with newly developed plastic connectors which are safer. We are the first company in the market to use safe, non-magnetic connectors. The new plastic joint was tested over 2,000 times for strength and durability. The results were very successful. The new joint is also able to connect up to 14 cartridges.

4) What do you think can be further improved in the toy industry in terms of CSR? What should toy manufacturers do to increase toy safety?

Further improvement in the toy industry in terms of CSR can come about from finding ways give back to children. It does not mean in terms of money. It can be in terms of developing products to suit children’s needs for each of their development stages.

In recent years, people have become more concerned about eco-toys and about the environment at both local and international level. We have more knowledge and access to information via the internet and other electronic media. This leads back to the issue of “Safety” - parents are now looking for non-toxic and chemical free toys. People are willing to pay a little more for the safety of their children and a better future for the world.

Founder of PlanToys, Mr Vitool Viraponsavan, shares his thoughts on preserving the environment through his toy empire.

5) What are some of the criteria when designing for a green toy? Is it a challenge to make sure everything is produced the way you want it?

At the beginning of the product development stage: Safety, Green design and Child Development are parts of our design concept. Each year, It is quite a challenge. We first think about what product we should design to help to improve or develop for each of a child’s development stages. We then think what Green and local materials that we can use. 

For the Safety issue, it is a concern from the beginning of the design sketch to the outcome of the product.

6) Congratulation to PlanToys on winning numerous awards for your extraordinary toys with their unique and innovation design, what do these awards mean to you and to PlanToys?

Over the past 28 years PlanToys has been the proud recipient of awards from all over the world. But that doesn’t mean we are resting on our laurels. In fact PlanToys looks upon such honours as major motivation to encourage us to keep improving and strengthening our belief in a better world. At all times our business is transparent and we are not afraid of imitation. In fact we encourage and support companies to follow our positive beliefs that will help bring our goals closer to fruition.

7) What are the concepts behind some of these toys?


PlanToys was founded with the goal of being a Green and socially responsible company. Recognising the need for preservation of our natural resources, we wanted to find a way to help children absorb some of the exciting new ways to use natural energy sources and have fun at the same time.

Green Doll’s House
While playing helps shape a child’s concepts and beliefs, a dolls’ house brings lessons home. It helps children make connections between the imagined world and the real world. Parents can influence their child’s beliefs by selecting toys and games that send a constructive and positive message about environmental responsibility.

The Green Doll’s House has been specially designed to help educate children about having a sustainable lifestyle and a sustainable home. Sustainable living is an important concept that can be introduced at an early age. Playing with a model of the Green lifestyle will give children a fuller understanding of what it means. This way children and families can become actively involved in the solution as we all move forward towards a healthier future. 


Over the past 28 years PlanToys has been the proud recipient of awards from all over the world.

Eco Town
Eco Town is a place where children can build a world of the future. By providing clean transportation, sustainable energy and eco-friendly homes, this play set gives children the tools they need to plan and play in a town that will have a positive impact on our environment. The Eco Town helps children develop logical thinking and planning skills, and stimulates their minds with fresh new ideas.



8) What can PlanToys do to improve our environment and help to make our world a better place? How does PlanToys help the community in Thailand?

Every year we set aside a percentage of our profits to support society thorough activities that benefit the community such as beach cleaning drives and tree-planting programs. We have established a non-profit organisation, Sarnsaeng-Arun, a cultural and environmental foundation, to provide numerous activities that support the development of children, society, and our environment. Also, the PlanToys Children’s Museum gives the opportunity for every child to advance his or her learning beyond the classroom.

© EcoAsia 2009