ESPR Insights 2
Why sustainable products for children are becoming a necessary counterweight to extremely cheap imports.
At a time when low-cost importers such as Temu and Shein are flooding the global market for baby and children’s products with ultra-low prices, our industry is facing a fundamental question: At what cost do these prices come? The answer is complex—and it affects not only consumers, but also manufacturers, retailers, and above all, our children and their living environment.
The debate around low prices is not merely about costs; it is about values, durability, safety, and ecological responsibility. While seemingly inexpensive products may ease the strain on household budgets in the short term, they often generate high environmental and social costs in the long run—whether through poor product quality, short life cycles, or a lack of transparency in manufacturing and supply chains.
A Counterbalance to the Throwaway Society
Against this backdrop, the Green Product Award 2026 takes on a particular significance. This international sustainability award – which I actively support as a juror and as Editor-in-Chief of baby&junior – honors innovative product solutions that excel ecologically, socially, and functionally. In the Kids category, the focus is on products and product concepts that address precisely where low-cost imports fall short: durability, resource-efficient materials, adaptability, and environmental education.
The 2026 finalists in the Kids category clearly reflect these values:
- „Altzo”: A product concept inspired by traditional forms and materials while creating genuine sustainable added value.
- „From Waste to Wonder”: A creative workshop approach that offers children not just a product, but experiences, knowledge, and a sense of responsibility for environmental compatibility.
- „Chalk Pebbles”: An innovative product that brings “nature into children’s hands” and makes ecological relationships tangible through play.
These projects stand for a new understanding of childhood, consumption, and the circular economy. They show that sustainable products do not have to be complicated or expensive; they must be well-thought-out, child-friendly, and future-oriented—thereby opening up spaces for learning and experience.
Short-Term Savings vs. Long-Term Costs
The sheer volume of low-cost goods from overseas may appear attractive at first glance, but it comes with clear disadvantages. First, there are significant quality and safety concerns: products that break easily or undergo less stringent testing can pose risks to children. In addition, inexpensive products are often used only briefly and quickly end up as waste. Moreover, many low-cost imports provide no information about their supply chains or material origins, making it impossible to properly assess their ecological impact.
The finalists of the Green Product Award demonstrate that sustainability is more than a buzzword. It is a strategic core for products that grow with children, think ahead, and help shape the future. By supporting and giving visibility to such sustainable solutions, we strengthen an industry that takes on responsibility for children, the environment, and the future of our society.
An Appeal to Consumers and Retailers
Dear parents, manufacturers, and retailers: low prices may be tempting in the short term, but true sustainability pays off in the long run—through quality, safety, resource conservation, and appreciation for our children. The Green Product Award is a sign that good products are possible without compromising people or the environment. Let us work together to shape a market that is not cheap, but truly valuable.
Written by Katja Keienburg
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