Last updated: 1 October 2026 · By Team Tilesminds
Tilesminds makes magnetic tiles and blocks from recycled plastic, because we believe toys that last for years should also be made responsibly. By reusing plastic instead of producing new plastic, we give material a second life without compromising on what parents care about most: non-toxic, with strong magnets and suitable from age 3.
In this article we explain why we choose recycled plastic, what sustainable toys really mean to us and what you can look out for as a parent.
In short
- Material: our tiles and blocks are made from recycled plastic.
- Safe: non-toxic, with strong magnets, suitable from age 3.
- Sustainable = built to last: sturdy toys that grow with your child, can be expanded and can be passed on.
- Honest: we only promise what we can deliver, without big numbers or vague labels.
Contents
- Why recycled plastic?
- Safety first
- What are sustainable toys, really?
- How to choose sustainable toys
- How to make toys last longer
Why recycled plastic?
Plastic toys have real advantages: they are sturdy, light, easy to clean and can take a knock. That is exactly what you want from construction toys that are on the floor every day. But new plastic is made from new raw materials. Recycled plastic is plastic that has been used before and is processed again.
That is why we at Tilesminds chose recycled plastic. It lets us combine the sturdiness of plastic with reusing material that already exists. We think that is a logical choice for toys children build with for years.
Safety first
Sustainable should never come at the expense of safe. Our tiles and blocks are:
- non-toxic;
- fitted with strong magnets, so builds stay standing;
- suitable for children from age 3.
Good to know: the European safety requirements for toys apply to every toy, whether it is made from new or recycled material. Read more about magnets and safety in Are magnetic tiles safe? How to keep magnetic toys safe yourself is explained in Caring for magnetic toys: keeping them safe and clean.
What are sustainable toys, really?
Sustainable toys are made with care for people and the environment and, above all, get used for a long time. The material matters, but the biggest gain lies in how long a toy lasts. A sturdy set that a child plays with for years and that then goes to a younger sibling, cousin or neighbour's child is more sustainable than a stream of new toys that break quickly or become boring.
That is why we look not only at the material, but also at:
- Growing with your child: the same tiles are fun for a 3-year-old and an 8-year-old.
- Expandable: our sets work together, so you can start small and add more later.
- Open-ended play: there is no fixed outcome, so children get bored of it less quickly.
Sustainable toys are also one of the toy trends of 2026.
How to choose sustainable toys
- Choose quality over quantity. One sturdy set is better than five cheap ones.
- Look at the material and whether the brand is clear about it.
- Choose open-ended toys that your child uses differently at different ages.
- Check whether sets can be expanded, so you can add to them instead of buying again.
- Think ahead: can the toy be passed on or sold second-hand?
- Be critical of vague claims. Terms like “green” or “eco” mean little without an explanation.
A few examples of our sets made from recycled plastic:
- Magnetic Tiles 64 Pieces (€29.99): a complete first set.
- Magnetic Tiles 125 Pieces (€42.00): for building big or expanding your collection.
- Magnetic Blocks 104 Pieces (Jungle) (€29.99): pixel-style blocks.
How to make toys last longer
- Keep them in a dedicated box or storage bag, so fewer pieces go missing.
- Clean them now and then with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- Check regularly for cracks and remove damaged pieces from the set.
- Pass them on once your children have outgrown them.
Why magnetic building is so good for your child's development is explained in our guide to magnetic building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Tilesminds make toys from recycled plastic?
Because we want to combine the sturdiness of plastic with reusing material that already exists. In our view, toys that children build with for years should also be made responsibly.
Are recycled plastic toys safe?
The European safety requirements for toys apply to all toys, including those made from recycled material. Our tiles and blocks are non-toxic, have strong magnets and are suitable from age 3.
What are sustainable toys?
Sustainable toys are made with care and, above all, last a long time: they are sturdy, grow with your child, can be expanded and can be passed on. The material, such as recycled plastic, also plays a part.
How do I choose sustainable toys for my child?
Choose quality over quantity, open-ended toys that grow with your child and sets you can expand. Look at the material and be critical of vague environmental claims without an explanation.
