Samenvatting

DCW is a social development company and a component of the municipality of Enschede, with a mission to provide opportunities to individuals facing barriers to regular employment. DCW aims to launch a collection of products in the Netherlands, including a placemat, a picnic blanket, two soft children 's toys, and a kitchen apron. This study specifically addresses the development of two soft textile toys for children within this collection. However, ensuring these products meet safety standards and regulations for children 's toys presents a critical examination. The research focuses on the development of two soft textile toy items, aiming to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations for children 's toys in the Dutch market. The main question of this research is: "What factors influence the introduction of children 's toys in the Dutch market for DCW?"
Research methods were used in this study, including observations, document analysis, and interviews, to understand the production and introduction of soft textile children 's toys in the Netherlands. Soft textile toys observed in stores primarily use polyester and feature important label elements and the CE marking. Document analysis focused on safety standards, especially the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC, and compliance with CEN Standards (EN71-1, EN71-2, EN71-3) covering mechanical properties, flammability, and chemical migration. The legal requirements and risk assessment strategies were outlined, providing guidance for DCW 's decision-making. Stakeholder analysis identified key players: manufacturers like DCW, companies, consumers, legal advisors, laboratories, and standardization bodies. Interviews with Euro Norm, Textile lab, and Bureau Veritas revealed overlaps between quality and safety standards. Experts recommended polyester fabric for soft textile toys for its fire resistance, with caution regarding colour and fabric length. Legal advisors emphasized compliance and liability considerations. Interviews with DCW employees provided insights into material selection and production costs.
In conclusion, a schematic overview categorizes key documents for DCW 's soft textile toy production, aiding the organization. The Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC serves as the primary guideline, particularly for toys intended for children under 36 months. Technical documentation Version 1.5 of 2009/48/EC further enhances safety compliance. Insights from RIVM Document 320003001 help identify prohibited chemicals. Observations reveal that 100% polyester is the most commonly used material, alongside cotton and terrycloth. A DCW checklist and flowchart, based on analysis and interviews, prioritize polyester fleece/polyester. EN71-2 confirms polyester as the safest textile material. An investment plan has been developed to estimate expenses for entering the Dutch market, covering lab testing, personnel, materials, CE certification, and overheads.
Despite the valuable insights gained, several limitations were encountered during the research, including challenges in engaging stakeholders, unrecorded interviews potentially leading to data gaps, concerns about the reliability of information from certain stakeholders, a lack of expertise in safety testing procedures, and uncertainty DCW 's production volume and budget. These limitations highlight the need for better involvement of stakeholders, recording of data, and expertise.
Recommendations for ensuring safety and compliance in soft textile toy production include implementing a step-by-step plan to meet legal obligations. This involves focusing on safety, documentation, and obtaining the CE mark. Utilize risk assessment to minimize legal risks in production and distribution. Select recommended materials for soft textile toys: 100% polyester fleece and mink, along with polyester filling fiberfill and yarns. For additional research, it is recommended to consi