Makers of role-play toys benefit from the design versatility and easier production process of plastic.

China manufacturers are leveraging the advantages of plastic when creating role-play toys.

	Lianfeng's model AK8507 shopping cart play set is made of PP, PS, HDPE and LDPE. It contains 72 items.

A key benefit is the ease in fabrication compared with other materials such as wood. The synthetic generally requires just three steps: forming, spray-painting and packaging.

Further, through injection molding, suppliers are capable of creating a wider variety of shapes. Detailed and novelty designs are available, including teacups, blenders, coffee makers and juicers.

Realistic styles are also more common among plastic role-play toys as makers can incorporate functional elements. To illustrate, high-end cash registers operate similarly to actual machines, with a money drawer that rings when opened and a working calculator. There are flashing lights and musical ICs as well.

In addition, polymers allow for a greater range of sizes. Models can be smaller than 5cm or even exceed 100cm. Large variants are currently on the rise, especially since the material is more cost-efficient than other inputs.

Seventy to 80 percent of China’s output of role-play toys are plastic. The selection includes doctor, cooking, home and kitchen appliance, cash register, beautician, detective, and department and grocery store kits.

Most releases are made of ABS, PC, PS, PP, HDPE, LDPE or HIPS granules. The first four are the most widely adopted. Generally, suppliers employ up to four materials in one design. For instance, PS is used for transparent parts, while PC is ideal for wear-prone areas. ABS and PP are typical choices for the main body. Between the two, the former is more expensive.

Pricewise, the major factors are the materials utilized, design, number of accessories and size. Low-end models are $0.50 to $4, and are primarily made of locally sourced ABS or PP. Tea, kitchen, tool and doctor sets are common and include 10 to 40 items. They are below 60cm.

Midrange role-play toys are quoted at $5 to $10. The category boasts replica designs such as home appliance, detective, cash register, kitchen, tool and doctor kits. The number of accessories is from 40 to 80. Releases adopt domestically procured or imported ABS for the body and measure 70 to 120cm.

Products that exceed $10 are considered high-end. The selection is similar to the midrange except functional features are added. These include flashing lights, music and clickable buttons. Each set consists of more than 100 items. Imported ABS is employed. Large, realistic styles are available and popular in the US, the EU, Japan, Australia and Canada.

Early this year, prices increased between 5 and 10 percent amid mounting raw material costs. Considering input rates are expected to remain high, makers do not foresee a reduction in quotes in the next few months.

Product gallery

Product gallery Lianfeng Plastic Products Fty Model: AK8504 MOQ: 1,500 sets Delivery: 45 days Description: Kitchen set; PP, PS, ABS, POM; sound function; 66x59x77cm; four sets per carton; EN 60825, 62115, 71 Lianfeng Plastic Products Fty Model: AK8507 MOQ: 5,000 sets Delivery: 45 days Description: Shopping cart set; 72 items; PP, PS, HDPE, LDPE; phthalate-free; 55x52x46cm; six sets per carton; EN 71, ASTM, HR4040 Lianfeng Plastic Products Fty Model: AK8509 MOQ: 5,000 sets Delivery: 45 days Description: Tool set; PP; 54x51x83cm; six sets per carton; EN 71 Rui Feng Da Toys Model: RFD100602006 MOQ: 5,000 sets Delivery: 35 days Description: Kitchen set; PP; one set per blister pack, 192 sets per carton Rui Feng Da Toys Model: RFD110307024 MOQ: 60 sets Delivery: 20 days Description: Vanity table with mirror; PP; flashing LEDs; 45x25x71cm; gift box; EN 71 Yifeng Imp. & Exp. Trading Co. Ltd Model: 1102Z074 MOQ: 5 cartons Delivery: 40 days Description: Ride-on toy whale; 6P PVC; 46cm Shantou City Chenghai Golden Forest Toys Manufacture Model: CL108566 MOQ: 1,200 sets Delivery: 40 days Description: Cash register set; battery-operated; accessory choice optional; gift box; EN 71 Note: This article "Role-play toy suppliers maximize plastic's strengths" was originally published by Global Sources, a leading business-to-business media company and a primary facilitator of trade with China manufacturers and India suppliers, providing essential sourcing information to volume buyers through our e-magazines, trade shows and industry research. All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise specified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewed only as reference prices at the time of interview and may have changed. Disclaimer: All product images are provided by the companies interviewed and are for reference purposes only. Those product images featuring products with trademarks, brand names or logos are not intended for sale. We, our affiliates, and our affiliates' respective directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents or contractors, do not accept and will not have any responsibility or liability for product images (or any part thereof) which infringe on any intellectual property or other rights of a third party.