Your Favorite Eco-Friendly Playground Equipment Now Comes In Eco-Friendly Packaging!

As an environmentally concerned company, we are shocked to see the amount of discarded packaging littering our roadsides and streams, and we know that a large percent of the waste in our landfills is discarded packaging materials that will persist for generations.   According to the EPA in 2018, 14.5 million tons of plastic packaging were in the US waste stream, and less than 14 percent was recycled.

We believe that our responsibilities toward our planet must continually adapt to what we see around us. While Play Mart is known for our innovative recycled plastic playground equipment, we are always looking for the next step to create a healthy environment for our employees, our customers, and the children who use our equipment.

We are proud to announce our next step forward for our planet: new eco-friendly packaging for Play Mart products! This development resulted from extensive research and a significant packaging updates to ensure that our commitment to sustainable playground equipment encompasses everything we touch.

Table of Contents

Where We Started: Reused And Recycled Materials

Unlike most companies, Play Mart has stayed away from purchasing foam packaging materials for our products. We would reuse any packaging material we received from incoming shipments so as not to waste materials. Even air bubble pillow packaging gets reused. Styrofoam hasn't been a part of our process, though we have limited control over what our suppliers send us. We were doing our best, but we wanted to do better!

Eco-Friendly Playground Packaging Is A Surprisingly Big Challenge

Implementing eco-friendly packaging is not as easy as it sounds; it's not a decision we took lightly or suddenly. After all, we want to ensure that the commercial playground equipment our customers purchase arrives safely and without damage.

It took considerable time, effort, and exploration to identify the right kinds of sustainable materials that could match the robustness and effectiveness of conventional packaging materials. The research required an incredible investment of time and human resources. Even the packaging broker we worked with had to keep going back and research materials, calling about specifications, and asking specific questions.

The key challenge was to ensure that the packaging for our eco-friendly playgrounds did not compromise the safety of the shipped products. Our team at Play Mart was dedicated to ensuring our new packaging methods were not just environment friendly but also maintained the quality of the product during shipping. Our eco-friendly initiative could not compromise on quality. Instead, it bolstered the protection and quality control of the whole shipping process.

Our Motivation

Play Mart's switch to eco-friendly packaging was primarily inspired by our desire to reduce overall waste. We were increasingly uncomfortable with the amount of plastic packaging being discarded after each installation. We saw firsthand how these plastic materials were filling up dumpsites and felt compelled to do something about it. The introduction of eco-friendly packaging is a reflection of our commitment to environmental sustainability. It's a testament to the fact that we don't just talk the talk—we walk the walk.

Achieving The Impossible

One of our most impressive feats was the biodegradable stretch film. This was an uphill battle as we often ran into walls, being told repeatedly that what we were reaching for was impossible. Yet, we persisted, and our determination paid off! Now, we utilize biodegradable stretch film in place of traditional shrink wrap.

No Compromising The Environment Or Product Integrity

Our customers can rest assured that our eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging does not compromise the safety of the product while shipping. We put a tremendous amount of effort into ensuring the new packaging wouldn't impact the quality of the product in transit. For example, the crinkle paper we now use for metal structures is significantly stronger than the plastic bubble wrap we used previously. Sometimes installers and shippers drag products across a floor or other surface; plastic wrap often tears, damaging the product. The new packing paper is crimped into a pad form and wrapped again, so it's much more robust than plastic shrink wrap. Play Mart products are actually better protected now with biodegradable materials.

Responsible Sourcing

We want to reduce, reuse, recycle, and be more earth-friendly in both shipping and receiving, so we have been choosing sustainable materials whenever possible. Our pursuit of eco-friendliness led us to use recycled materials, such as cardboard and paper. We worked hard to find suppliers that could provide recycled materials that were reusable or biodegradable.

One of the significant steps we took in the journey towards eco-friendly packaging was sourcing our materials responsibly was implemented some time ago. We already use Gaylord boxes, which are large storage boxes roughly the size of a standard GMA pallet and a staple in the industry. Gaylord boxes, made from a unique blend of primarily timber-based paper pulp materials, are completely recyclable and biodegradable, underlining our commitment to being ecologically responsible. When we receive shipments in Gaylord boxes, they can be used repeatedly. Once their life span has expired, they are completely recyclable.

Why We Took This Step

Our founders Dennis and Rebecca would be in the field and see the packaging materials, which would fill up an entire dumpster. They would unwrap and produce piles of plastic bags, shrink wrap, and bubble wrap. Most installers cannot take the time to bring these materials to recycling bins that accept plastic bags, so it goes against every principle and value that we have to build sustainable playgrounds.
So, to go along with our passion and our heart, we have been trying to do this for years. However, these eco-friendly packaging products haven't been available on the market till now. Our team kept reminding people that this is a big deal. We were determined to make this happen.

Dennis and Rebecca Beach Owners of Play Mart, Inc. Playground Equipment

Setting The Standard And Starting The Trend For Environmentally-Friendly Playgrounds

We at Play Mart are leading the way in the environmentally-friendly playground industry. Our determination to adopt eco-friendly packaging marks us as trendsetters in the field. Not only have we created a demand for sustainable packaging, but we've also inspired manufacturers to produce more eco-friendly options. As we continue to innovate and push for greater sustainability, we're setting the standard for playground companies everywhere.

It is a part of a larger movement, but in a way, it also benefits that movement by providing a market for those materials. If there's no demand, companies will always take the easy, cheap way instead of the best way. So, there's an additional benefit to Play Mart making this effort: it provides a market signal that there is a demand for recyclable or recycled, biodegradable, natural packaging material.

Create A Truly Green School Or Park With Play Mart!

We all want a better future for our planet and the children who will inherit it. While we seek to lower our carbon footprint, we can't stop at surface level. Play Mart's eco-friendly playgrounds not only end up in a boatload of fun, but begin with preserving the earth at the forefront. From biodegradable packaging to green-powered production, every part of your environmentally friendly playground is done with unparalleled quality and responsibility.

We're not just creating playgrounds, we're crafting life lessons for the children who use them. Join Play Mart in inspiring the next generation to achieve the impossible for our planet!

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Testimonials

"Play Mart Inc. is truly the company you want to do business with when looking for commercial grade playground equipment.

Lesson learned: not all playground equipment is compatible with other equipment. Our HOA had a Play Mart set that was purchased in 2005 it was needing to be refurbished. Ryan Williams contacted me right away asking what he could do to help. Records hadn’t been kept so I was having difficulty finding what we had and what we could do. After sending pictures from my phone, Ryan took over giving us the original design blueprint! A detailed report on what we had and what needed to be replaced was soon in my hands.

We were elated to learn that some of our stuff was still under warranty! Options of what could be done and what must be done to ensure the safety of our children were outstanding! We were so pleased that the nightmare of searching for playground equipment was now over! The equipment is made in the USA too.

While we wait for delivery we can’t thank Ryan Williams enough for the care he took in making sure that our playground is safe! They also offer installation if you need that! Everything ships with detailed installation instructions like a picture book! Thank You Play Mart and Ryan for all of your professional help!"

Jeanette Bowen

"I'm not sure whether the kids would have caused damage to the playset at some point, but the playground survived the hurricane. Your RSP™ is amazing."

Tim H. Gateway Services Community Development District

Ft Myers, FL

“I would just like to let you know Play Mart did a wonderful job on the packing/shipping and installation instructions. We have installed almost every manufacturer in the market and your company is the most installation friendly we have done in years.”

Playground Installation Crew

Kansas

“The contractor who assembled the set told me it was his first experience with recycled material in play sets and he was very impressed. He also told me it was very well packaged and user friendly for assembly.

It looks first class and blends in well with the wooded area surrounding our church. We like the fact we can accommodate so many kids with a set this size.”

Bruce P.

Topeka, KS

“This is cooler than big kids stuff!”

5 Year Old Child

Topeka, KS

“Congratulations on your extensive and impressive exhibit of your playground products. I was most impressed. If I were a child, I would spend a lot of time in the music section of your marvelous array of enticing things to do. But on the other hand, I could easily be enticed to the many other play opportunities for play and learning.

It is blatantly obvious that you have put a lot of careful thought into developing your engaging products for children. Congratulations and thank you for the tour of your exhibit at the trade show.”

Matthew Evans, FASLA Senior Landscape Architect & Horticulturist

US Capitol, Washington, DC

“It gives me great pleasure to be able to write a letter on behalf of Play Mart, Inc. On two different occasions in recent years, Play Mart constructed playground equipment on our school property. Play Mart representatives went out of their way to meet with the school playground committee so that we fully understand our options and the cost. We have been delighted with the equipment that Play Mart representatives recommended for our students. It is age appropriate and safe. We have had to make two minor repairs, which were quickly taken care of by the company.
In the process building the playground, we were very interested in using recycled materials. Availability of this via Play Mart was a big reason why we choose this company. Play Mart worked with us in obtaining exactly what we wanted. We were very pleased with the construction timeline and the value for the price. When we wanted to add more equipment, Play Mart was most helpful and made the changes cost effective for us. Our students spend many happy hours enjoying the playground.

We have been very happy with the entire project. It is with great satisfaction I write this letter on behalf of the company and their employees.”

Sister Laverne K., School Principal

Newark, DE

“We continue to be so pleased with our playscape! As soon as we open the door in preparation for outside play, the children head straight for the playscape. The teachers so enjoy watching the students play some of their favorite games which include: Pirate Ship (they all crowd on top of the playscape sailing off for adventure of the high seas), Shark! (similar to pirate ship but they all stand on top screaming “shark”), and Ice cream shop (sellers stand under the playscape and deliver ice cream cones to customers on the other side of the ‘counter’).
We thank you again for working so closely with us as we designed this safe and sturdy play area to fit the needs of our Nursery School. It has been one year and it still looks great, blending beautifully into our historic town green. Both our school and our community look forward to many, many more years of fun!”

Laurie H., Daycare Director

Washington, CT

“Our entire church is excited with the equipment and especially glad we saved 32,226 milk jugs from a landfill. We love the look of wood without the problems of termites and splintering.”

Joyce W.

Jacksonville, AR

“I wanted to drop you a quick note to commend you on your subcontractor’s performance…The combination of your quality equipment and the installation by Hammer Down has provided the staff, children and Marine Corp with an excellent play facility. The installation and application of the equipment has turned out superbly.  Hammer Down, Paul and his entire crew were pleasant to work with, knowledgeable of the equipment and codes and had an uncommon willingness to work well with us and other contractors. I commend them for an excellent install and terrific attitude.

As for the poured in place rubber; again a superb product paired with a great subcontractor. Clean Play, Allen and his crew provided a level of work that would be hard to surpass. The installation went smoothly and quickly. I appreciate their attention to detail and cleanliness. Though we may have stayed late, I never have an issue doing that for a contractor that works as hard and diligently as they did each and every day. There performance was outstanding and one I would look forward to seeing again.

I appreciate all of your help and you providing us with such high quality subcontractors. Thank you.”

Mike R., Superintendent

Sauer, Inc.