Toy Industry
Polyurethane, a polymer with excellent physical and chemical properties, can be widely used in the production of various toys. Polyurethane foams, in particular, have the capability to be formulated and tailored to specific applications.
These foams are safe and durable, easily manufacturable, and versatile. Moreover, their lightweight, softness, and flexibility have made them increasingly popular among both children and adults. These products are produced through molding, where the materials are mixed, poured into molds in liquid form, and then undergo the curing process. It’s worth noting that these foams comply with various international standards such as EN71, phthalates, RoHS, etc.
The types of polyurethane foams offered by Imen Polymer Chemie Company for use in the toy industry include wood imitation foam, cold cure foam, memory foam, and integral foam.
Product applications
Some applications of these products in the toy industry include:
- Squishy toys
- Figurines
- Play mat flooring
- Foam structures
- Animal toys
After-sales services
We never leave you
on your own afterwards either
Imen Polymer Chemie
Some of our latest
2026/01/20
Air conditioner pipe insulation: Types, benefits, and best materials
Air conditioning systems are among components using large amount of energy in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. While much attention…
ادامه مطلب
2026/01/06
Spray polyurethane foam roofing
Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) roofing has become as one of the most advanced and efficient roofing technologies in modern construction.…
ادامه مطلب
2025/12/30
Roof sandwich panels and their different types
The construction industry has changed significantly in recent years, with a strong focus on faster building methods, better energy efficiency,…
ادامه مطلبApplication of polyurethane in the toy industry
Toys are more than simple products made for entertainment. They are part of a child’s daily life and are used repeatedly in different environments. Toys are touched, squeezed, dropped on the floor, exposed to pressure, and sometimes even used in unexpected ways. Because of this, toy manufacturers must be extremely careful when choosing the materials, they use.
In today’s competitive toy market, manufacturers are also under pressure to reduce costs, improve product quality, and meet international safety standards. This has increased the demand for materials that are reliable, flexible in design, and easy to process. As a result, polyurethane foams due to their adaptable structure, has become so popular.
In this article, we explore how polyurethane is used in the toy industry, its main advantages, and the most common types applied in toy production. We also compare polyurethane with other materials used in toys and finally introduce a reliable supplier of polyurethane raw materials.
Polyurethane in the toy industry
The toy industry is closely connected to children’s safety, comfort, and daily use. Toys are not decorative products. They are handled, pressed, dropped, bitten, and used for long hours. For this reason, the materials used in toy manufacturing must be safe, durable, and reliable. In other words, safety, durability, comfort, and long-term performance are not optional features. They are basic requirements for toy production.
Manufacturers also need materials that are easy to shape, cost-effective, and suitable for mass production. Polyurethane has become one of the materials that can meet all these needs at the same time.
Polyurethane is widely used in many industries, but its importance in the toy industry has grown rapidly in recent years. This material allows producers to create toys with different levels of softness, strength, and flexibility. By adjusting the formulation, polyurethane can be used for soft toys, semi-rigid parts, or even solid components. This wide range of properties makes polyurethane a practical and efficient solution for modern toy manufacturing.
Applications of polyurethane in the toy industry
Polyurethane is used in many different parts of toy production. One of its most common applications is in soft toy elements. Flexible polyurethane foam is often used in toys that need a gentle surface, such as squeezable figures (squishy toys), educational blocks, and safety components. These foams provide a soft feel while keeping their shape after repeated use.
Polyurethane is also used in structural parts of toys. Rigid polyurethane systems are suitable for molded bodies, internal frames, and parts that need strength and stability. These components must resist pressure, movement, and long-term use. Polyurethane helps manufacturers produce strong toy parts without adding unnecessary weight, which is especially important for children’s products.
Advantages of using polyurethane in toy manufacturing
One of the most important advantages of polyurethane is its safety potential. When this polymer is properly formulated and processed, polyurethane materials can meet strict toy safety standards. They can be produced with controlled chemical stability and mechanical behavior, which reduces risks during daily use by children.
Another key advantage is versatility. This means manufacturers can change the polyurethane formulation to get the best result to fit into their needs. This makes production process much easier, improves consistency, and helps control costs while keeping quality.
Types of polyurethane foam used in toy production
Different polyurethane foam systems are selected in toy manufacturing based on safety, surface feel, durability, and design requirements. Each foam type offers specific physical properties that makes it suitable for certain toy applications.
1. Memory foam
Memory foam is used in toys that require slow response and gentle pressure distribution. It reacts gradually to touch and slowly returns to its original shape after deformation. This property makes it suitable for comfort-oriented toys like squishy toys and sensory products. It also absorbs impact and feels better to the touch.
2. Latex-like polyurethane foam
Latex-like polyurethane foam (synthetic latex foam) provides a soft, elastic, and springy feel with fast shape recovery. It is commonly used in toys that are frequently pressed, squeezed, or bent. This foam maintains its elasticity over repeated use and offers good durability. It is often chosen when a lively and responsive touch is required.
3. Cold cure polyurethane foam
Cold-cure polyurethane foam is widely used for molded toy components with defined shapes. It offers balanced flexibility and strength while maintaining dimensional stability. This foam performs well under repeated stress and keeps its form over time. It is suitable for functional toy parts that require consistency and reliability.
4. Integral skin polyurethane foam
Integral skin polyurethane foam (self-skinning) has a solid outer skin and a soft inner core. This structure provides a smooth, durable surface without the need for additional coatings. It is often used for toy parts that need scratch resistance and a clean appearance. The foam combines safety, durability, and visual quality in one material.
5. Wood imitation polyurethane foam
Wood imitation polyurethane foam is a rigid system used for decorative and structural toy elements. It is lightweight, strong, and easy to shape or carve. This foam allows manufacturers to create detailed designs while maintaining high dimensional stability. It is especially suitable for toys that require a solid and refined appearance.
Overall, this variety of polyurethane foam systems allows toy manufacturers to select the most suitable material for each toy application.
Comparison of polyurethane with other materials used in toys
Different polymeric materials can be used in the toy industry, such as rubber, PVC, and certain thermoplastics. While these materials have their own advantages, polyurethane often provides a greater balance of properties. Compared to rubber, polyurethane can be lighter and more resistant to long-term deformation. Compared to PVC, polyurethane can offer better flexibility without relying on plasticizers.
Polyurethane also allows higher control over density and hardness compared to many traditional materials. This means manufacturers can adjust the material to match specific design and safety requirements. In addition, polyurethane systems can be optimized for efficient production, reducing waste and improving product consistency.
Advanced polyurethane technologies and the future of the toy industry
Modern polyurethane systems can now be engineered with detailed density, surface texture, and mechanical response. This allows toy producers to design parts that behave exactly as intended during play, reducing failure rates and improving long-term durability.
Another important development is the improvement of molding accuracy and surface quality. Advanced polyurethane formulations enable the production of toy components with smooth surfaces, self-skinning surfaces, and consistent shapes, without the need for extra finishing steps. This improves the visual quality of toys and reduces production time and material waste.
In the future, polyurethane will help make better interactive and educational toys. It can be used to produce toys that safely contain internal parts like sound or electronic elements. As toy designs become more advanced, polyurethane raw materials will continue to be a strong, safe, and durable base for innovative products.
Purchasing polyurethane materials for toy manufacturing from Iran
Iran has become an important source of polyurethane raw materials for various industries, including toy manufacturing. Local producers focus on supplying high-quality polyurethane systems designed for specific applications. These materials are developed to meet industrial standards and offer consistent performance in production lines.
Imen Polymer Chemie supplies polyurethane raw materials for the production of toys, including systems suitable for flexible and rigid applications. Our company does not manufacture toys or foam products themselves, but provides carefully formulated raw materials for toy producers. In addition to product supply, technical support and formulation guidance we help manufacturers achieve reliable and safe results in their production processes.
Conclusion
Polyurethane has become an essential material in the modern toy industry. Its ability to combine safety, flexibility, strength, and design freedom makes it suitable for a wide range of toy applications. From soft components to structural parts, polyurethane helps manufacturers create toys that meet market expectations and safety requirements.
As the toy industry continues to grow and grow, the demand for reliable and adaptable materials will increase. Polyurethane raw materials provide manufacturers with the tools they need to produce high-quality toys efficiently. By choosing well-designed polyurethane systems from trusted suppliers such as Imen Polymer Chemie, toy manufacturers can improve product performance, consistency, and long-term success.
Read more