Axis Toys & Gifts has recently been appointed as the Australian distributor to this New Zealand award-winning brand EcoSplat Reusable Water Balloons and The Toy Universe had the chance to speak to Helen Townsend (Co-Founder of Sustained Fun) and Paula Opfer (Co-Founder of Axis Toys & Gifts) about EcoSplat and how Axis will distribute the product here in Australia.
Question to Helen:
Helen, thanks so much for speaking to us! Sustainability has become more important than ever and the goal of EcoSplat Reusable Water Balloons is to address that. Can you explain the origins of EcoSplat, the product and your goals for the brand?
We created EcoSplat Reusable Water Balloons in response to families telling us how much they hated picking up rubbish from the lawn after summer water fights. Single-use water balloons are not biodegradable and create over 700 pieces of rubbish during every water fight! We wanted to give kids a more fun, eco-friendly water fight toy that aligns with their growing awareness of environmental problems.
EcoSplat are waste free and not only are they better for the environment but because you can use them over and over again water fights are more fun! They are so effective they can be used for up to 6 throws before being re-immersed in water. All you need is a bucket for a water fight that lasts all day!
Question to Paula:
Paula, Axis are also committed to sustainability with nearly 80% of your range being eco-friendly. Can you tell us what attracted you to the EcoSplat product?
For us, we loved the practicality of the product. It’s simple, useful and mindfully made. Having used traditional and fast filling water bombs with my own children, I know firsthand how quickly they tire of the “instant” fun when you’re all having to pick up the torn pieces particularly when we were staying with family in the bush which is a common holiday for us. The contrast of all this litter scattered across our beautiful natural environment took away the enjoyment for all and so we stopped using them. EcoSplat keeps the fun going with clear conscience so yes, we’re looking forward to this relationship evolving with EcoSplat and further fresh ideas.
Question to Helen:
What were some of the factors that lead you to appoint Axis Toys & Gifts as the distributor for EcoSplat?
We were impressed with Axis’ sustainability focus and their commitment to sourcing quality products with purpose. When we met Paula and the team at the Melbourne Toy Fair we could see the obvious regard in which they’re held by their customers. Sustained Fun and Axis Toys & Gifts’ have similar values and we’re delighted to be working with them.
Question to Paula:
Can you provide a general overview of what the roll-out will look like for the EcoSplat product and getting the product into customers hands?
At this stage, we’re looking at having stock available from July and are currently developing a staged social media and brand rep campaign to launch the range and educate the public on this great game and play resource.
Question to Helen:
I believe that Sustained Fun is a B Corp certified business, can you explain to us what that entails and give some advice for other likeminded business who want to become more sustainable?
B Corp companies have to meet the highest social and ethical standards across all areas of the business including governance, community, customers and the environment. For us, B Corp certification means that sustainability is embedded in everything we do as a company and is taken into account in all our business decisions. The positive environmental impacts of EcoSplat aren’t just in the product and packaging but are also in the daily running of the business including how we choose suppliers and partners.
Sustainability is an essential part of doing business in the 21st century and customers are rightly demanding that toy companies have a positive environmental impact for the future of the children who are our customers. I would encourage other toy companies to pursue B Corp or other environmental certifications to show their commitment to the environment and to advance sustainability in the toy industry. If you’re struggling to know where to start check out the resources from www.worldsustainabletoyday.com.
EcoSplat Reusable Water Balloons is the first toy from Sustained Fun, whose mission is to develop eco-friendly toys for climate confident kids. With single-use water balloons creating over 3.2 billion pieces of rubbish every year, EcoSplat is an innovative new way to have endless summer water fights with no rubbish to pick up!
Question to Paula:
Paula, Axis Toys offer a great range of high-quality products and it seems like EcoSplat is another perfect fit for your product offering at Axis, can you tell us what else is on the horizon for your brand?
We’re delighted to be expanding our gift ranging with more exciting ranges from New Zealand. Tikitibu NZ has appointed Axis Toys & Gifts to bring three stunning new brands to our shores, — One Hour North, FLOX, and Studio Soph — all showcasing exquisite artwork from talented artists across New Zealand. Think, toweling and sarongs, bags and accessories!
Keep an eye out for more details coming your way very soon!
To Helen and Paula:
Thanks again for your time Helen and Paula, is there anything else that you would like to add and highlight in relation to EcoSplat and Axis Toys & Gifts’ appointment as distributor?
We can’t wait for Aussie kids to have endless waste-free water fights this summer, thanks to our partnership with Axis Toys & Gifts!
For further information, please contact admin[@]axistoys.com or order online at www.axistoys.com
