Horst Brandstätter Group has set itself ambitious corporate sustainability goals. By 2027, the group of companies aims to be climate-neutral and avoiding emissions. The enterprise is already involved in off-shore parks and going to invest around 50 million euros in climate protection in the coming years. By 2030, business models are to be as circular as possible, i.e. part of closed material cycles.
Through a sustainable orientation, the group of companies, with the Playmobil and Lechuza brands, will continuously improve environmental balance along the entire value chain. “With a wide range of activities, we are supporting reduction of global emissions and thus also the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius,” emphasizes Steffen Höpfner, CEO of the Horst Brandstätter Group.
The 2022 product highlights display how the Playmobil business unit is already acting sustainably as of today. The theme Discover the Planet, which will be launched this year with an extensive, newly developed first product range, consists on average of 80 percent sustainable materials. Post-consumer recycled materials and bio-based plastics are used. A large proportion consists of recycled material obtained from discarded refrigerators. Of course, Discover the Planet meets the proven Playmobil quality and, like all of the company’s products, has an enormously long durability. The colourful play world symbolizes growing up in a world where animals and nature are valued and protected. In a fun and playful way, it provides important knowledge and lets children discover a detailed, exotic animal world at home. The range will be launched in July.
Plenty of fun is guaranteed when playing, learning about and collecting the various Playmobil figures of animals from around the world. The products invite children to discover the Amazon rainforest, which is vital to our ecosystem. Packaging of the figures and animals is made from nearly 100 percent recycled cardboard, and building instructions consist of 100 percent recycled paper.
Duck on Call is the first brand new theme world including a duck as the main character. As a result of his shenanigans, cheeky Ducklas was transformed into a duck by mysterious Mr. Hans. With inherited Playmobil DNA, the little duck figure is of course fully compatible with the play system. Various fire, police and rescue vehicles, the headquarters and other sets are full of innovation and provide tons of fun for children ages 3-5 years. “Children were involved in the development of the play features from the very beginning. Special focus was placed on their ergonomic and play needs,” said Roger Balser, Head of Business Unit Playmobil. An animated series on YouTube tells the adorable rescuers’ story including a lot of humor. The pilot episode will premiere in early March.
On the 40th anniversary of the legendary Universal Studios series Knight Rider, Playmobil is launching the legendary TV series car K.I.T.T. David Hasselhoff, starring as Michael Knight in the 80s series hit, went on a crusade with this vehicle for the innocent, helpless and powerless in a world full of criminals. The iconic vehicle features electronic functions and a detailed interior. When touching the hood you can hear original voice clips of K.I.T.T. and operate the scanner light.
Even more iconic vehicles will be launched in Playmobil format in 2022 as part of the Classic Cars range: Whether Porsche 911, Mini Cooper or the legendary Mercedes Benz Gullwing 300 SL, all of the timeless cult vehicles with their impressive functions and true-to-the-original details are sure to delight children and adult fans alike.
In 2022, Playmobil will release plenty of further play experiences that will inspire children and promote their creativity and social skills. Since, as we all know, playing takes place in the mind and has an impact on children as well as their parents.