We have all heard the buzz: Apple and Amazon pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030-something, McDonald's, Microsoft and Samsung are incorporating sustainability practices into their businesses and our auto companies are switching to all-electric car manufacturing.
As members of this industry we all see the waste we are leaving behind. All the TPE masturbators, PVC dildos, and plastics used in product clamshells and insert trays — waste, waste and more waste, which is going to leave toxins in our landfills and pollute our oceans for a very long time.
It's more critical than ever before for manufacturers in our industry to embrace and implement green initiatives.
With so many products and businesses to choose from, it has never been more important to differentiate yourself from the competition. Going green is a great way to stand out, and decrease the impact on the planet. Here are some eco-friendly manufacturing heroes among us:
In 2010, CalExotics led the green charge with the innovative eco-friendly sex toy standout, the Solar Bullet. The world’s first totally renewable sun-powered stimulator featuring a rechargeable solar cell is really a sex toy to feel good about! It comes in eco-friendly Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-approved packaging. Thank you to the marketing team for promoting awareness that you can support environmentally friendly printing by always looking for the FSC logo on packaging.
Leaf from BMS, which won Best Eco-Friendly Sex Toy in 2015, was one of the first manufacturers to take an eco-position with an entire line of products. They received a lot of press for their environmental efforts, and they definitely score with a natural canvas tote and rechargeable battery. Their quality manufacturing and silicone exterior make the products vegan and sustainable. I also like their effort toward plastic-free and recyclable packaging.
Another standout is Crave and their Vesper. It is also the world's first USB-rechargeable, multispeed vibrator necklace. Vesper is a solid 316 stainless steel pendant with a nickel-free plated cap and matching 26" stainless steel chain. With a commitment to best-in-class body-safe materials and sustainable power sources, Crave's durable products are optimized for lasting pleasure. Steel and rechargeable is always a win-win for sustainability.
Fun Factory is a winner because of the not-so-obvious eco steps that they have implemented. Of course, Fun Factory products were already more sustainable by being quality products famous for long-lasting durability. But the best part is the steps this German company is making in other areas. They've considered the impact that their supply chain has on the planet and by purchasing locally, have reduced their carbon footprint. Fun Factory products are all designed, produced and packaged under one roof. And their employees are paid fair wages and benefits, and work in a nontoxic, safe environment. Kudos to Fun Factory.
Blush led the way in truly sustainable sex toys with their Gaia collection, made of recyclable, biodegradable, plant-based plastic sourced from corn. When promoting sex toy sustainability, Blush defines this as materials sourced from botanical elements, using fewer greenhouse gases in production, and having the lightest end-of-life impact on the environment. Gaia pleasure products biodegrade quickly with the help of industrial recycling facilities. They will also biodegrade naturally in landfills after a few centuries. The Blush commitment to being Earth-friendly is also evident in the Gaia packaging, which is made of recycled paper with no plastic inserts. Cheers to their plastic-free packaging! In 2020, they expanded their line with a rechargeable version. Now we are talking! One-time-use batteries are a real no-no.
Something exciting for Earth Day 2021 is WOW Tech's entry into green with Womanizer Premium Eco. The company famous for suction has launched a modular version of its Womanizer Premium. The product is made from Biolene, a bioplastic that is biobased, biodegradable and industrially compostable. The difference from Gaia is that this product can be completely disassembled for recycling. This means that these components have a better chance of being actually recycled or biodegraded, versus the odd chance someone at a recycling center is going to dismantle your sex toy to find the recyclable components — not going to happen. I also applaud all of the steps they took to minimize waste. Their trimmed charging cable uses less plastic and they've reduced their instructions to minimize paper.
At Global Novelties, we prioritize the use of plastic-free and zero-waste packaging. We also work with our supply chain to reduce waste in both manufacturing practices and shipping supplies. We are taking steps — maybe small steps, but many small steps become big steps.
Each company's journey to becoming eco-friendly will be unique. Every company has a different level of impact on the planet, but as a whole, we all contribute to climate change, pollution and the waste crisis.
It’s more critical than ever before for manufacturers in our industry to embrace and implement green initiatives. Every business can do its share. For inspiration, look to the industry heroes leading the green charge and follow in their footsteps.
Autumn O’Bryan is the founder and CEO of Boston-based Global Novelties, and has been in the industry since 1994. Prior to launching Global Novelties in 2019, O’Bryan was the chief operating officer of Topco Sales and the president of CNV, in addition to owning her own home party company for 10 years.
