Manufacturing conditions in toy industry: example of Schleich figures (German TV documentary)

Hi Schleich friends,
I just came across this documentary from the German TV magazine "zoom", which sheds light on the manufacturing conditions of European toy brands in China. Among others, the Schleich company is one example in this video:
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(unfortunately only available in German language, Schleich manufacturers are shown at about 14:00 min of running time)

Essentially, the documentary says that many European toy manufacturers have shifted their production industry frim Europe to China due to the lower costs. In some cases, university students are used as workers in the toy factories, and working conditions are not always safe and controlled for. For example poor and crowded worker dormitories, lacking health protection in the factories, long working hours and unclear regulations on underage workers can occur. The Schleich production factory near Hongkong is however presented as a more positive working place, where safety and health laws are followed. Still, the example shows a women working in this factory, who states to be 17 years old and to be working in this factory for three years already, so underage workers might also be a possible problem in factories producing for Schleich.
All in all this is a interesting view into the hard working conditions in Asian factories and also some producing steps for Schleich figures are shown. According to the Schleich spokesperson, 65% of their products are sold in Europe, 20% in the USA, and 15% in the rest of the world.

Maybe some of you are interested in this as well, so I thought this would be a good place for sharing the video.

Have a nice day! :)

EEEEEEK

I have not seen it all, because I don't understand much of what they say.
But for instance  : A young man spray-painting without ANY kind of protection

Perhaps we chould start a consumer-movement to get an equivalent to "Fairtrade" or such for toys

Great topic ! Thankyou, Div.

Thanks for the video - interesting even though I don't understand German that well....

Everyone in the west enjoy all types of products which are made in China and other eastern countries where working conditions and workers rights are terrible. Even in the Lovable factories where Schleich is produced you can see the not so good working conditions and accomodation. It is a shame but that is the way things are. If everyone is made in Western countries then prices would triple...it is unfair but we are all guilty of enjoying our animals even though they are made in an unfair way.....I am guilty too but it is something that all governments in the west should address.....ok this is getting political so I have said my bit,......but I am a shocked that Schleich allows their products to be made by a chinese company where conditions are so bad.....shocking....