By Alex Inventor

What happens when a tech engineer leaves her career to open up a new world of learning for children? Minali Agarwal embarked on an extraordinary mission: to create toys that are more than just entertainment—tools for creativity, education, and sustainability.

Vision and Passion

Transitioning from a successful career as a software developer at Accenture to founding her own toy company was more than just a professional shift for Minali Agarwal—it was a deeply personal journey. The birth of her child inspired her to create a world where learning and creativity go hand in hand. With her engineering expertise and entrepreneurial spirit, deeply rooted in her family background, Minali founded PepPlay. "I didn’t just want to build a company; I wanted to create a legacy that fosters education and creativity for future generations," she explains.

Challenges and Pioneering Efforts
 

Building PepPlay was no easy task. While countries like China already had a well-developed infrastructure for manufacturing educational toys, Minali had to start from scratch in India. Achieving international quality and pricing standards required constant innovation and determination. Today, PepPlay boasts over 40 unique products, available in more than 200 stores across India and on global platforms like Amazon. Some of Minali’s proudest milestones include recognition at the Spring Fair in Birmingham and winning the "Best Educational Toy" award from TAITMA.
 

Sustainability at the Core

A cornerstone of PepPlay’s success is its innovative and sustainable approach to production. The company uses eco-friendly and non-toxic materials, free from phthalates and BPA, to ensure safety for children and minimal environmental impact. One standout initiative is the use of renewable energy: PepPlay has installed 350 kW of solar panels at its production facilities, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

Beyond environmental efforts, PepPlay actively contributes to social sustainability by employing women and members of indigenous communities, helping to foster local economic growth. This blend of environmental and social responsibility makes PepPlay’s production strategy truly unique. Among its most popular innovations is the "Redoobles" series—washable and reusable coloring toys that encourage creativity while promoting environmental consciousness. These products embody the message that sustainability can be fun and practical, starting from childhood.

From India to the world: global success

Participating in events like Spielwarenmesse and Kids India has been pivotal for PepPlay, offering valuable networking opportunities and industry insights. PepPlay’s global journey began at the Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg. Initially, Minali attended the fair in 2020 to explore OEM opportunities for her production unit. However, the inspiration she found there completely reshaped her vision. "It felt like a whole new world was opening up," she recalls. Today, PepPlay’s products are sold in international markets such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Looking Ahead

The company plans to expand its product range by focusing on themes such as sustainability, mental health, and social responsibility. A prime example is the upcoming With the "Make Your Toys" series, which allows children to create their own toys using eco-friendly materials, the company continues to focus on innovation. Additionally, PepPlay also wants to further develop the toy industry in India and expand its importance as a production location for other countries.Inspiring the Toy Industry

A role model for the toy industry

Through her dedication and vision, Minali Agarwal has not only built a successful company but also driven positive change in the toy industry in India and beyond. PepPlay serves as a shining example of how creativity, sustainability, and education can seamlessly come together—an inspiration for parents, children, and the industry as a whole.

About Alex Inventor

Alex Inventor combines technological expertise with innovation. In our Spirit of Play online magazine, the name indicates texts that we have largely created with the help of artificial intelligence. Our editorial team thoroughly checks and edits the texts before publication.