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Childcare during the day? That time is over. Nowadays, preschool has a curriculum, with development and learning on the schedule. What was previously called toys has become learning tools. Inside Palettens preschool in Växjö, where Jäts-based Re:play is located when we visit, it has become yet another branch. Here we talk about circular items.
– For some, this may just be junk, but in the eyes of an educator, it can be pure gold, says Stefanos Papamichailidis, as he opens the door to the premises.
Re:play focuses both on reusable materials that preschools can use, but also manufactures new toys from leftover and scrap materials. The duo behind the company has a background in the toy industry but saw the need for a new way to work. It was not only the ethical and political aspect, of trading with countries like China and Russia, that had become more pronounced. Another important aspect was the long transports and the environmental impact of toys.
– We felt that this is no longer working, says Stefanos.
Said and done – in 2022 they got started. Since then, there have been quite a few circular items. Inside a room at Palettens preschool, low tables are completely covered with creations. On one of them lies an elongated mirror, and on top of it, wooden pieces, bottle caps, and a fjord horse share space on a cut-out board. We are inside the learning lab, which is part of the company's concept. Here, it is the educators who get to take space at the tables and experiment. Understanding the educators' needs is a large and important part of the work.
– It is possible to stage and plan to create curiosity in the children, says Pontus Albinzon, and continues:
– Here, for example, the mirror makes it inviting with different angles. But all of this would not be out at the same time if it were the children who were to play, because then it becomes too much at once.
The material comes from various industrial companies and is such that for various reasons would have been thrown away.
– We call and ask what they are throwing away, and if we can come and check and find out more about how they work. Then they let us decide if it really is junk, says Stefanos with a smile.
– Of course, it may seem a bit strange to ask if we can look in the containers, but when we tell them what we do, it often goes straight to the heart, says Pontus.
That the companies are also looking for ways to work sustainably makes it easier.
– We measure what we use, which becomes data that they can use in their marketing.
”When we tell what we do, so
it often goes straight to the heart”
In preschool activities, the background of the toys can also lead to important conversations.
– ’First, the tree grew for a hundred years, then it was cut down, and then it was discarded because this branch is visible. Now it has been given new life here,’ says Pontus.
Working with materials for preschools has of course its challenges. It is important that the products do not contain toxins or harmful substances. Since they source directly from the industries instead of the dump, they can get the information they need about the content. It can for example be which glue has been used in glued wood. It is important information that should be gathered.
A bigger challenge has been to find funding to develop the company. There are many supports to apply for, but Pontus and Stefanos' experience has been that they are often not tailored for small startups. They are simply difficult to apply for. However, it was smoother to apply for Leader Linné Småland's micro support. Through the support, they could hire external help to design a digital information material to communicate the company's concept. It gave the company a little help on the way.
– It has meant a lot to us. Without that support, we would not have been able to produce that material, says Pontus, who shares that they are now working on applying for a larger project support.
– We have received great help from the office.
Out on the preschool yard, the children have spotted Pontus and Stefanos, who are carrying instruments and a wipeable easel. These are two of the toys they have made from recycled materials. Improving the outdoor environment for preschools is also a heart issue for the duo, and something that can lead to future investments in the company.
Another idea for the future is to start with subscriptions, so that preschools can rent instead of buying. In this way, someone else could take over the toys that a preschool wants to move on from, for example when it is time to change themes.
On the way out from the preschool yard, a final curious question comes from the sandbox:
– What are you going to do now?
Pontus and Stefanos turn around and smile broadly. The answer?
– Now we are going to go inside and continue playing!
Want to know more about Re:Play? Visit their website or follow them on social media!
Published: October 17, 2023