We collaborated with Fantasy Forts, the maker of DIY play kits for children, and sparked imagination with new concepts in sustainable creativity

We collaborated with Fantasy Forts, the Dutch creator of unique construction toy kits for children to bring sustainable, imaginative, and open-ended play to life with their unique DIY construction kits for houses and fortresses. The company’s toys are intended to engage children in imaginative play and to encourage them to develop critical thinking and confidence in problem-solving.

Our DS Smith experts refined the design and composition of the play kits, including the folding structures, die-cutting methodologies, and accessory integration - using 100% recyclable corrugated cardboard materials that are robust and easy to produce at scale. Our team also minimised the volume of materials required to make the products and eliminated corrugated plastic incorporating a clever and versatile click-system design to allow for the play sets to be integrated into furniture and other structures both indoor and out.

“The concept seemed simple, but the technical execution required a lot of thought. We were looking for a partner who could translate our creative vision into a product that was sustainable, easy to manufacture, and scalable. From day one our new packaging was extremely well received by our consumers who are mostly parents, and the feedback has been super” said Marco van den Berg, founder, Fantasy Forts.

“Our play kits are sparking unlimited creative potential and providing children with hours of creativity and screen-free play. The panels can also be made compact for storage and folded away neatly when not in use,” he concludes.

The Fantasy Forts toy kits are manufactured and produced locally in the Netherlands and packed in a social workplace represented by Social Work Netherlands (ESN).

The collaboration between DS Smith and Fantasy Forts was initially inspired via a DS Smith PackRight Centre, a dedicated venue and part of a network of wider facilities where companies and brands are encouraged to meet with our experts to explore, define, and agree on specific optimisation areas and develop packaging solutions in line with bespoke requirements and priorities.

Remko Berkhout, Marketing and Communications Manager, DS Smith Benelux, comments

“Due to the technical expertise of our designers, the corrugated cardboard elements of the play kits are not only inventive in their design, but also remarkably durable and this is vital given the need for them to withstand so many different options and environments for creative reinvention.”

Fantasy Forts play kits can be purchased from a variety of online retailers, including the Fantasy Forts e-commerce shop that can be accessed online, and they are tailored for indoor and outdoor use.