Plasto’s iconic toys stand the test of time
Plasto is a Finnish toy manufacturer whose high-quality and safe toys have brought joy to children for seven decades. The factory, located in Mariehamn, Åland, produces practical and timeless favourite toys that inspire imaginative play and endure even the toughest games – passed down from generation to generation.
Approximately 25 people work at Plasto’s factory in Mariehamn. The factory produces over one million toys annually. Each employee ensures that the company’s value promise is reflected in the quality, safety and innovation of its products. Anne Larpes, Jonny Henriksson, and Siv Relander share their roles in Plasto’s story.
Beloved favourite toys made in Åland
In Finland, almost every child has personal experiences with Plasto toys. The most famous products include trucks, baby walkers, scooters and tractors. These toys have been produced for decades and remain enduring favourites among children and parents alike.
“The products with Plasto wheels are best known. Our wheel is more recognizable than our logo,” laughs Plasto’s Marketing and Sales Director, Anne Larpes.
Plasto’s extensive range of plastic toys also includes sand toys, kitchen sets, and various accessories inspired by everyday tasks.
“Sustainability for us means not only that the products withstand play but that they are also environmentally and organizationally sustainable. We strive to think long-term in everything we do,” explains Larpes.
Anne Larpes recalls her amazement at the beginning of her Plasto career when people were still inquiring about steering wheels for pedal tractors purchased 30 years ago, as they wanted to pass them on to their grandchildren. Toy durability is a great source of pride for Plasto.
Finnish standards of durability and quality
Jonny Henriksson, Plasto’s Production Manager, is responsible for ensuring production quality. According to Henriksson, one of the key objectives in the manufacturing process is to minimize product weaknesses during the design phase.
The durability and safety of Plasto toys result from careful supervision of every part manufactured, and the use of materials that meet strict quality and safety standards. The toys are made from polypropylene and polyethylene, which are additive-free, durable plastics ideally suited for safe toys.
Plasto primarily uses injection moulding in production, one of the most efficient methods for producing durable and precisely shaped plastic parts. In this process, the plastic raw material is melted and injected into moulds to achieve a defined shape and high quality.
“Injection moulding also ensures production efficiency and minimal material waste, supporting Plasto’s sustainability principles,” Henriksson explains.
Many parts of Plasto toys, such as wheels, are made from recycled plastic, and the manufacturing process minimizes waste by reusing plastic scrap from colour changes in black components.
Henriksson takes pride in having strengthened Plasto’s operations and modernized production. “The best part of my job is developing new products and manufacturing methods and increasing automation,” he says.
Double testing ensures product quality
Siv Relander is responsible for Plasto’s quality systems and product safety.
“Product safety is absolutely the most important thing – ensuring that the products sold meet the required standards and regulations,” emphasizes Relander.
All raw materials and finished products are tested according to EU standards, and Plasto works closely with external laboratories to ensure toy safety. Under Relander’s leadership, Plasto has developed the Good Manufacturing Practices system that ensures production is meticulously documented and safe.
For all Plasto toys, double testing is conducted. First, raw materials undergo chemical testing, followed by mechanical testing during assembly. For raw materials, Plasto uses as much plastic as possible certified for use both in the food and toy industries. This minimizes the likelihood of chemical issues in raw materials.
Each toy undergoes manual inspection before storage, and assembly is largely done by hand. “The toys are carefully examined during assembly, with each part passing through two hands and two eyes before reaching the market,” Relander boasts.
Innovative product development for creativity and play
At Plasto, development work is comprehensive, and everyone’s contribution is valued.
“We encourage initiative and collaborative development. Here, you really get to make an impact,” says Anne Larpes.
Quiet wheels are one example of Plasto’s recent innovations, enabling energetic car games indoors with less noise. This is particularly welcomed in nurseries, where sit & ride toys are frequently used.
Plasto also invests heavily in recycling: all plastic waste generated during production is reprocessed, and many toy parts are made from recycled materials from Plasto’s own production. In recent years, Plasto has also increased the use of bioplastics.
In the Plasto I’m Green series, the plastic raw material is derived from sugarcane. Sugarcane-based materials offer a renewable raw material option for environmentally conscious families. Although slightly more expensive, they provide consumers with sustainable development choices.
Anne Larpes, Jonny Henriksson, Siv Relander, and other Plasto employees ensure that Plasto’s products combine technical expertise, rigorous quality control, and imaginative design. Their craftsmanship delights both children and their parents for generations to come.