Eco-Innovators Start Fresh with BeginAgain Toys
Veteran eco-toymakers Chris Clemmer and David Bowen are on new adventure, telling stories of invention and studying history for inspiration. These founders of Sprig Toys Inc. are beginning again—in a big way.
BeginAgain Toys of Fort Collins, Colo., the new company created by Bowen and Clemmer, will launch this week at ABC Kids Expo (booth #2615) in Louisville, Ky., with more than 50 products. The founders’ devotion to collaboration recently led to BeginAgain’s acquisition of ImagiPLAY, a 14-year-old Boulder, Colo., company known for pioneering the eco-toy category. In addition to its own original playthings, BeginAgain will carry many of ImagiPLAY’s award-winning wooden toys and has plans to update several of the designs for release in 2012.
“We are very proud to be able to keep ImagiPLAY in Colorado and build on the brand’s green legacy in the toy industry, said Clemmer. “ImagiPLAY’s mission to make toys with integrity and help children develop a deep appreciation for their planet dovetails with BeginAgain’s commitment to play with purpose.”
The BeginAgain brand is cleverly based on the Colorado workshop of Benjamin Barlowe, an early 20th century inventor who made toys that teach through play and nurture the development of the whole child. BeginAgain toys are powered by kids—not batteries—and are made in partnership with the planet using plant-based materials whenever possible. ImagiPLAY toys are a perfect addition to the BeginAgain workshop.
“I started making eco-toys when green was just a color,” said ImagiPLAY founder Barbera Aimes. “ImagiPLAY and the green movement have been my life for many years, but my husband and I have decided to focus together on his business, so I’m leaving the toy industry.”
Aimes was the first person invited to serve on the Toy Industry Association’s Environmental and Sustainability Committee and devoted years to developing her trusted relationship with the Asian factory that produces ImagiPLAY’s popular rubberwood toys. She will serve as an advisor to BeginAgain and her brand’s best-selling products will continue to be offered to specialty retailers across North America.
“I’m very confident that BeginAgain can take ImagiPLAY to the next level,” said Aimes.” It’s the most innovative, child-centered toy company I’ve ever seen. They focus on play value without compromising planet value.”
BeginAgain’s first line of toys will be available this fall. Explore the BeginAgain workshop at www.beginagaintoys.com. ###
