The Guide > Toys > Toys > Vehicles
Vehicles
Many toys are produced in factories operating under sweatshop-like conditions. Despite protests, the industry continues to source toys from factories with documented labour and human rights violations.

Three-quarters of the world's toys are made in China. Working conditions have been improving, but serious labour violations continue. Toy workers have to work long days in the peak season without appropriate pay ' often for more than 80 hours a week ' well above China's legal limit. Many factories impose fines for refusing and other 'misdemeanours', such as missing a day's work or spending too long on a toilet break. The ICTI CARE Process is the toy industry's ethical manufacturing program aimed at ensuring safe and humane workplace environments for toy factory workers worldwide. However, this process has been criticised by labour rights organisations.
  • Toys last a lot longer than kids' interest in them so keep them moving around. Pass them on to family and friends (and tell everyone you're happy to get hand-me-downs as presents), join your local Freecycle, seek out used toy fairs, buy and sell used toys online or join a local toy library.
  • Choose Australian made toys, available at websites such as www.playtolearn.com.au, www.ecotoys.com.au, www.entropy.com.au, www.woodentoysaustralia.com.au
  • Choose 'China-free' toys from companies such as Playmobil and Lego, who manufacture most of their products in Europe.
Brand
Company
Owned
Rating
Company Ratings
A Praises, no criticism
B Some praise, no criticism
? No rating
C Praises, some criticism
D Criticism, some praise
F Criticisms
Note: Ratings are based on company record, including parent companies. They are not a comment on the product itself.
> More about ratings
OTHER ICONS
Australian Owned
 
Outstanding product feature

Latest Tweets