Material Shifts: From Lucite to Eco-Friendly Innovations in the Deal Toy Space
August 27, 2025, In 50 Years of Deal Toys
Material Shifts: From Lucite to Eco-Friendly Innovations in the Deal Toy Space
The deal toy industry has always been about celebrating milestones, but the materials used to create these iconic mementos tell a story all on their own! In the early days of deal toys, they were synonymous with one material only: acrylic, also commonly referred to as Lucite. A super durable, versatile, and modern material, acrylic dominated the industry for decades!
However, as time has passed and the world has changed, so has the demand for more sustainable practices in all spaces. The deal toy industry is transforming, embracing eco-friendly innovations like locally sourced wood, recycled metals, and recyclable crystal glass. At Altrum, we’re proud to lead this charge, combining creativity and craftsmanship with a commitment to sustainability!
Check out our ESG commitments here.
Let’s explore how the materials used for deal toys have evolved and how Altrum sets the standard for an environmentally conscious future.
The Rise of Acrylic: A Practical Beginning
When deal toys first gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, acrylic, or Lucite, was the material of choice. It was easy to shape, engrave, print text on, and embed with text or images, making it perfect for creating the sleek, modern designs that clients wanted!
Thomas Emmons’s collection highlights the early dominance of acrylic. His pieces from this era feature great examples of simple, clear blocks with embedded deal details—a testament to the material’s practicality and timeless appeal. Acrylic is famous for its clarity and durability, and for decades, it reigned supreme above all other materials!
However, as industries evolved and client priorities shifted, acrylic’s limitations began to emerge. While it remains a durable and versatile material, its environmental impact has become more challenging to ignore.
Branching Out: The Material Revolution
By the 1990s and 2000s, the toy industry started diversifying its materials. Designers began incorporating wood, metal, and glass to create more dynamic and customized pieces that offered more versatility. These materials allowed for greater creativity and opened new possibilities for storytelling!
This period marked a shift in Thomas Emmons’s collection as well! Pieces from this era include bold combinations of materials, like sleek and polished metal accents or crystal elements paired with acrylic. Combining materials is a great way to add an extra wow factor!
The introduction of these materials paved the way for even greater innovation, and, eventually, for the eco-conscious designs that define our industry today!
The Move to Sustainability: A Modern Challenge
In recent years, sustainability has become a priority for industries worldwide, and the deal toy space is no exception! As clients increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility, the demand for eco-friendly materials has grown.
At Altrum, we’ve embraced this challenge with open arms. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond just using recycled materials—it’s about rethinking every aspect of the design and production process and even the packaging we use to ship pieces straight to your door. Some of the materials we’ve incorporated include:
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Locally Sourced Wood: Beautiful and renewable, wood sourced from sustainable forests adds natural elegance to any deal toy.
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Recycled Aluminum: Lightweight and endlessly recyclable, aluminum provides a modern touch while reducing environmental impact.
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Recycled Acrylic: While acrylic remains popular and highly versatile, using recycled versions reduces waste and gives this material a second life!
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Recyclable Crystal Glass: Crystal offers a timeless and classy aesthetic and can be fully recycled, making it a perfect choice for environmentally conscious clients.
