International. Launching a new toy company into the highly competitive global toy market represented a challenge and an opportunity for Kando Concepts Ltd to take a new approach to toy manufacturing.
Kando Toy worked with award-winning Tokyo designer Kenji Abe to create the first collection of animal word puzzles in the "play and learn" toy category that features original, high-quality designs. Focusing on parents who are environmentally conscious today, Kando seized the opportunity to be a leader in eco-friendly toys made from sustainable, bio-based materials.
After extensive research, Kando identified Eastman's Tenite cellulosic as the ideal resin for his line of premium toys.
"By specifying a bio-based plastic for our first toy collection, Kando became one of the first international toy brands to adopt eco-friendly materials," said Martin Archer, CEO of Kando.
While the designs are original and the concept is fresh, Kando valued the opportunity to work with a well-known company on engineering resins suitable for consumer products. Tenite, made from softwoods from forests controlled and supervised for renovation, was introduced in 1929 and has been called the original modern thermoplastic. Working with Eastman's technical team in Singapore, Kando developed Tenite's molding and processing to manufacture its eco-friendly toys, starting with the African Wildlife series.
Kando is an Asian company with a global perspective. From its headquarters in Hong Kong, Kando works with members of the design team in Tokyo, Taipei, New York, Seoul and Hanoi. Their toys are made in Vietnam.
