Inflatable toys are often made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is harmful plastic. PVC causes potential harm to the environment and human health as it contains toxic compounds and carcinogens such as lead, phenol, and phthalates. Moreover, it is nondegradable and hard to recycle. The production, disposal, and use of plastic generate harmful greenhouse gas emissions, increasing global warming levels. Thus, plastic is negatively impacting the economies in different ways. Governments of various countries are taking strong initiatives to control the production, usage, and disposal of plastics. As the awareness regarding the harmful impacts of plastic is growing, people are shifting toward sustainable plastic alternatives.
Manufacturers of inflatable toys are also developing products that meet consumers' sustainability concerns and help minimize their carbon footprints. They are using materials other than PVC that have a low environmental impact and are not harmful to the children's health. For instance, DIPP, an Australia-based manufacturer of inflatable pools, developed a product (inflatable pool) using thermoplastic polyurethane, a sustainable alternative to PVC. Thermoplastic polyurethane is a biodegradable and non-toxic material with less environmental impact and low health risks. The absence of such toxins reduces the health risks associated with the products, making them a more prominent alternative for babies and children. Such products can provide potential growth opportunities for inflatable toys in the coming years.
Asia Pacific Inflatable Toys Market Segmentation
The Asia Pacific inflatable toys market is analyzed on the basis of end-use, type, distribution channel, and country. Based on end-use, the market is segmented into residential and commercial. In 2020, the residential segment held a larger share in the market. Based on type, the market is segmented into inflatable pool, inflatable animal, inflatable ball, and others. In 2020, the others segment held the largest share in the market. Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into supermarkets and hypermarkets, specialty stores, online retail, and others. In 2020, the supermarkets and hypermarkets segment held the largest share in the market.
Based on country, the market is segmented into China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and the Rest of Asia Pacific. China contributed a substantial share in 2020.
Bestway Inflatables and Material Corp.; General Inflatable; Happy Inflatable Co. Ltd.; HearthSong; Intex Marketing Ltd; Jet Creations Inc; Joyin; Little Tikkes; and Waddle & Friends, Inc. are the leading companies in the regional market.