Amsterdam, 25-07-2024

Bon Ton Toys Joins 1% for the Planet: A Commitment to Sustainability and Impact

Why We Joined 1% for the Planet

At Bon Ton Toys, our mission is to create high-quality, sustainable plush toys that bring joy to kids and adults alike, while also making a positive impact on the planet. Today, we are proud to announce that we have become a member of 1% for the Planet, underlining our long-term commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

1% for the Planet is a global organization that exists to ensure our planet and future generations thrive. They act as an accountability partner for businesses supporting environmental partners through annual membership. They make environmental giving easy and effective through partnership advising, impact storytelling, and third-party certification.

Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, their members have given millions to environmental partners. Today, 1% for the Planet’s global network consists of thousands of businesses and environmental partners working toward a better future.

A Message from Our Managing Director

Our Managing Director, Michael Hendriks, shares his journey and the inspiration behind this significant step:

“Before I became an entrepreneur, I was educated and trained by two large corporates – one logistics company and one bank. Both vital for the health of the economy. I believed I could be a better entrepreneur given certain skill sets and a strong network. I was trained in analytical rigor, data analysis, presentation, and people skills. I learned many different things and made many dear friends. However, from the start, I was dreaming about setting up my own business – something with impact.

The CEOs of these companies made us study Ivy League bestsellers like Jim Collins’ Good to Great and Jack Welch’s Straight from the Gut, about how companies could outperform the index on shareholder value. I became amazed by the fact that these CEOs could make so much money for shareholders, but they could not, and dared not challenge themselves, nor their shareholders, about sacrificing 1% of profits for a cleaner earth. If all companies did that, we would have far fewer challenges facing our generation.

For the last 15 years, I have worked on projects and companies that make a difference – from sustainable infrastructure solutions to responsible investing to durable and sustainable kids’ products. Bon Ton Toys has been a committed donor to WWF for 30 years next year, and I am proud that together with my team, we have been able to contribute to this for the last 10 years. We were able to avoid bankruptcy for Bon Ton Toys in 2014, 10 years ago this summer, and we have built Bon Ton Toys into a sustainable lifestyle company selling durable plush and unconditional love to adults and kids in over 45 countries.

I am proud to now be an official 1% for the Planet partner. This commitment was never a question for me. Nor is it a temporary one. I owe it to this planet for the opportunities it has given me, and I owe it to my children as it holds their future.”

Our Ongoing Commitment

For the past three decades, Bon Ton Toys has maintained a long-standing partnership with WWF, donating at least 3% of sales to support their vital conservation work. We have collaborated on numerous side projects, including initiatives with Surfrider Foundation, aimed at protecting our oceans and coastlines, Warchild who protect, educate and stand up for the rights of children living through war and conflict.

“Currently, only 3% of total philanthropy goes to the environment and, only 5% of that comes from businesses. The planet needs bigger support than this, and our growing network of business members are doing vital work to increase giving and support on-the-ground action. We’re excited to welcome Bon Ton Toys to our global movement,” says Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet.

“By joining 1% for the Planet, we are pledging to donate 1% of our annual sales to support environmental organizations worldwide. Over the last 10 years, we tripled this percentage, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to making a difference. This partnership aligns perfectly with our values and mission, reinforcing our dedication to sustainable practices and responsible business decisions,” says Michael Hendriks, CEO of Bon Ton Toys.

Looking Ahead

As we embark on this new chapter, we are excited about the opportunities to further our impact and collaborate with like-minded organizations and individuals. Our journey is just beginning, and we invite you to join us in making a meaningful difference for our planet. Because at Bon Ton Toys, we believe you don’t need superpowers to make a difference – today it starts with a commitment to our planet.

Amsterdam, September 26th, 2023

“Bon Ton Toys is making waves by joining the B Corp movement!”

Bon Ton Toys, a global player in the plush toy industry, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking achievement as it becomes a B Corp certified plush company. This remarkable feat solidifies Bon Ton Toys’ dedication to a sustainable environment, social responsibility, and ethical business practices.

Bon Ton Toys has its own brand B.T. Chaps and creates plush for Miffy (Nijntje), Snoopy and WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature).

The B Corp certification is awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

Michael Hendriks, Managing Director at Bon Ton Toys, states; “At Bon Ton Toys, we believe that play should be both enjoyable and responsible. Our achievement of becoming B Corp is a testament to our enduring commitment to sustainability, ethical business practices, and our dedication to making the world a better place for future generations”.

Here are the key highlights of Bon Ton Toys’ B Corp certification:

1.    Eco-friendly Approach: Bon Ton Toys is at the forefront of producing plush toys that are environmentally friendly. They use sustainable materials and production processes, reducing their carbon footprint while ensuring that the toys are both safe and enjoyable for children.

2.    Ethical Production: They prioritize ethical workplace practices, ensuring that all their products are crafted under fair working conditions. They foster a safe and inclusive work environment for their team.

3.    Giving Back to the Community: Bon TonToys is all about spreading love within communities and supporting charitable causes. They live their mission to make a positive impact that extends beyond their products.

4.    Transparency Matters: Transparency is a core value for Bon Ton Toys. They openly share their operations and regularly report on their social and environmental performance, holding themselves accountable.

5.    Innovating for Good: They constantly seek innovative solutions to minimize waste, conserve resources and create plush toys that ignite children’s imaginations while respecting the planet.

Bon Ton Toys’ milestone of becoming B Corp demonstrates the standard for ethical toy production and underscores the importance of making conscientious consumer choices. Their B Corp certification represents a remarkable achievement on their journey to create toys that not only bring joy to children but also have a positive impact on the global community and the environment.