More transparency, more questions, more knowledge: We started 2019 with this resolution – and put it into practice immediately. For us, this meant taking a closer look, assuming responsibility, and taking even seemingly minor details seriously. That's precisely why we met with Mandy Geddert – the woman behind the rubber bands you've found in our shop since May 2018. We kept receiving questions about the safety of the bands, especially regarding their use in children's toys. The timing couldn't have been better: Mandy had just had her rubber bands extensively tested – according to strict European toy safety standards.
Toy safety standards – a term many are familiar with, but few truly understand. For Mandy, it became concrete when toy manufacturers – primarily doll manufacturers – approached her. They were looking for rubber bands that were low in heavy metals and nitrosamine-free, and therefore suitable for babies and toddlers under 36 months.
Especially strict requirements apply to this age group. Babies and toddlers naturally put toys in their mouths. Through chewing and salivation, minute components can enter the body. Certain substances, particularly nitrosamines, are considered carcinogenic even in very small quantities – accordingly, the legal limits are very low.
Up until that point, Mandy hadn't encountered the topic of nitrosamines herself. With the help of Nadja Lüders, a specialist in toy standards, she began researching – and ultimately decided to have her rubber bands tested to know exactly what ingredients they contained. Nitrosamines are formed, among other things, during the production of rubber. Amine-containing chemicals are used in this process, which can convert into nitrosamines. Additionally, there are so-called N-nitrosatable substances, which can only convert into nitrosamines in the acidic environment of the stomach – a risk that is particularly relevant for small children. For the tests, Mandy submitted 25 grams of material per rubber band. The heavy metal test uses artificial gastric juice to simulate the solubility of substances that could enter the body after ingestion. This procedure is called migration testing. The dissolved substances are measured and evaluated according to the European standard EN 71-3.
The test for nitrosamines and nitrosatable substances is carried out using a saliva solution. The textile-covered rubber cords are stored for several hours at approximately 40 °C, then analyzed and evaluated according to DIN EN 71-12. This testing process alone takes about ten days.
The products were tested for a wide range of heavy metals – including lead, nickel, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and zinc – as well as nitrosamines and their precursors. The result: all values were significantly below the legal limits. These standards are particularly relevant for toys and baby products that can be put in the mouth. While professional toy manufacturers are very familiar with these regulations, for many suppliers – including Mandy – it is a process of learning and continuous professional development.
Fazit
The tests show that transparency isn't achieved through promises, but through asking questions, checking, and disclosing information. The fact that Mandy's rubber bands meet the strict requirements of toy safety standards gives not only us, but also you, added peace of mind – especially where materials come into contact with the most sensitive users. For us, it's clear: responsibility doesn't end with the fabric, but includes every detail. And that's precisely why we continue to look behind the scenes. 💚