PolyOne has announced that it has helped manufacturer CelebriDucks launch “The Good Duck”, a toy for babies and children with a smooth texture for teething. Unlike traditional toy ducks, it remains fully sealed to keep out water and prevent mold growth. The Good Duck is marketed as PVC free, phthalate free and BHA free, and also features two PolyOne technologies: customized GLS TPE materials and OnColor colorants.

To address consumer concerns about safety, PolyOne recommended that CelebriDucks consider both polymer and colorant. PolyOne developed an ultra-soft version of its GLS TPE approved for food contact and medical applications, and included non-toxic PolyOne colorants.

CelebriDucks’ president, Craig Wolfe, said, “I’m especially proud that The Good Duck is 100 percent made in the United States. Two American companies, CelebriDucks and PolyOne, collaborated to bring rubber duck production back to America where it actually began. In the process, CelebriDucks created the safest duck on the market today. Parents can feel comfortable giving their little ones The Good Duck”.

“PolyOne is delighted to be part of this American success story,” said Charles Page, global marketing director, PolyOne GLS. “Like CelebriDucks, many baby and child brand owners are choosing our materials for their safety, regulatory compliance, aesthetics and design flexibility. Customization capabilities enable us to provide designers and OEMs with the specific properties they need.”

In addition to its superior safety versus competitive products, The Good Duck toy represents a material processing milestone. CelebriDucks chose blow molding rather two-shot injection molding or rotational molding to achieve a one-piece floating toy that would also remain soft to the touch.