DS Smith, a leading global provider of sustainable fibre-based packaging solutions, has partnered with Dutch toy manufacturer Fantasy Forts to create innovative children’s play kits made entirely from recyclable corrugated cardboard. The collaboration brings together design expertise and sustainability goals to inspire creativity while reducing environmental impact.
Fantasy Forts, known for its DIY construction kits that let children build houses and fortresses, sought a partner capable of translating its vision into a scalable and environmentally responsible product. “The concept seemed simple, but the technical execution required a lot of thought,” said Marco van den Berg, founder of Fantasy Forts. “We were looking for a partner who could translate our creative vision into a product that was sustainable, easy to manufacturable, and scalable. From day one our new packaging was extremely well received by our consumers who are mostly parents, and the feedback has been superb.”
DS Smith’s design team re-engineered the kits to optimise production, minimise material use, and enhance recyclability. The new design replaces all corrugated plastic elements with robust, 100% recyclable cardboard and introduces a versatile click-system that allows the play structures to be easily assembled, integrated into furniture, and used both indoors and outdoors.
The toy kits are produced locally in the Netherlands and packaged in collaboration with Social Work Netherlands (ESN), supporting local employment and social impact initiatives. The partnership reflects Fantasy Forts’ broader commitment to responsible manufacturing and community engagement.
The collaboration originated at a DS Smith PackRight Centre, where companies work directly with DS Smith specialists to identify packaging optimisation opportunities and co-develop sustainable design solutions.
“We are excited to collaborate with Fantasy Forts on this innovative cardboard solution and to support this valued customer in their strategic vision to create a sustainable and versatile product,” said Remko Berkhout, Marketing and Communications Manager at DS Smith Benelux. “Due to the technical expertise of our designers, the corrugated cardboard elements of the play kits are not only inventive in their design, but remarkably durable and this is vital given the need for them to withstand so many different options for creative reinvention.”
Fantasy Forts’ recyclable play kits are available through various online retailers, including the company’s own e-commerce platform.
DS Smith continues to advance its Now and Next sustainability strategy, aimed at redefining packaging through circular design principles. Operating across 34 countries, the company is driving an industry-wide shift toward a circular economy by delivering packaging and fibre-based innovations that balance performance, resource efficiency, and recyclability.
