The toy industry virtuoso and Products of Change member, Gary Wilmot has lifted the lid on a long-awaited project to bring a new tier of sustainable toys to the UK and international toy industry, with the launch of Proud Penguin.

Founded by Gary alongside the Schleich’s former ceo, Paul Kraut and his brother Marc, Proud Penguin has now officially launched to the scene with the mission to create sustainable figurines made from bio-based materials.

Each designed to inspire children’s imaginations and spark conversations about the planet, the figurines will be produced, packaged, and distributed from the Tunisian toy manufacturing site, Nani s.a.r.l. – a facility with a 45-year history in the business.

“Proud Penguin aims to provide a platform tailored directly to your needs for producing ethical and sustainable toys with peace of mind,” reads a description of the business on its website. “We take care of the due diligence to ensure that your products not only consist of the highest quality materials but also adhere to the highest standards we set ourselves.”

Openly transparent about its supply chain, Proud Penguin will work with Technaro as its materials partner as the specialist provides the company with its 100% biobased resources manufactured and molded into figurines at the Tunisian site. Meanwhile, Marabu will contribute the water-based paints with which the figurines are painted.

Lastly, Proud Penguin will aim to link its product portfolio to a give-back programme that will support organisations driving positive change.

“Our Goal is to create a sustainable one-stop destination that unites: brands, causes, manufacturers, and suppliers,” reads a company description. “By creating not just a system but a playful world of sustainable figurines, unifying your brand goals with the global need for rethinking environmental change.”