Eco-focused toy line JUNKO takes first steps into US with Uncommon Goods

The independent UK toy brand, JUNKO, has secured an exclusive launch in the USA with the Uncommon Goods web store. The launch is the result of a meeting of minds between the brand creator and the web store at this year’s Spielwarenmesse.

The move marks JUNKO’s first step into the US toy market where the construction kits that encourage children to upcycle their rubbish and plastic waste into toys through the JUNKO building kit, began retailing through the online store in June this year.

In the UK, the JUNKO brand has been championed for its approach to sustainability and promoting the message of recycling through its construction toy line and corresponding published comics. It has found success at retail including placement with the likes of the Eden Project.

“We hadn’t come across Uncommon Goods before we met Ashly Yaschin at Spielwarenmesse, but the American company on the stand next door told us they were a really smart outfit with a large loyal customer base and lo-and-behold they really are,” said Peter Rope, inventor and owner of JUNKO.

“There’s a really modern, curated feel about the Uncommon Goods web experience with a focus on beautifully designed and creative products which we feel honoured to be a part of. They’re based in super-cool Brooklyn NY too, which doesn’t hurt. Importantly for us, they’re a company who really care about people and the planet which makes them a brilliant fit for JUNKO. I can’t think of a better way to launch us into the States.”