Sustainable and safe: What makes a crayon child-friendly
Colouring and childhood go hand in hand. Every child, everywhere, feels the pull to add colour to a page. It’s instinctive. Playing with colour not only sparks imagination but also supports the development of sight. And because so many children use so many crayons, it’s important to think about both their safety and their impact on the planet.
Are crayons safe?
Not all crayons are the same. Some are simple wax sticks for kids, while others-like oil pastels or dry pigment sticks - are made for professional artists.
For children, safety comes first. Most kid-friendly crayons are made from a mix of paraffin wax, stearic acid, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and food-grade pigments.
Paraffin wax comes from petroleum. While safe when used correctly, its production can leave behind contaminants that may cause irritation in some sensitive skin types. That’s why responsible manufacturers carry out strict testing and often create hypoallergenic options.
- Stearic acid is found in plants and animal fats. Using plant oils is kinder to animals and works just as well.
- Food-grade pigments mean little artists can safely chew on a crayon tip without harm (though we’d never suggest eating them for lunch!).
Children’s crayons are also designed to fit snugly into small hands and stay strong, even during enthusiastic scribbling.
Sustainable crayons
Crayons don’t last forever - they shrink as they’re used until only a tiny stub is left. But what happens after that?
- Packaging matters. Look for crayons in minimal, recyclable or biodegradable packaging.
- Wax matters too. Paraffin doesn’t break down easily, especially in landfill where there’s little air. Alternatives like beeswax or soy wax are more eco-friendly.
- Recycling helps. Old wax can be melted down and reused to make new crayons. The more we recycle, the fewer end up in landfill.
By choosing sustainable options, we make sure today’s colouring fun doesn’t cost tomorrow’s environment.
What to look for when buying crayons
When you’re picking out crayons for your child, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Bright colours - Kids love strong reds, blues, yellows, and greens. The more shades, the more creative possibilities.
- Strength - Crayons should withstand a firm grip and not snap too easily.
- Long-lasting - Store them in a cool, dry spot to avoid melting or breaking.
- Easy to clean - The best crayons wipe off walls and tables without too much scrubbing.
- Good value - You don’t need fancy, expensive crayons for children. The most important thing is that they’re safe, fun, and sustainable.
Making better crayons
Keeko Kids works hard to ensure our crayons are safe, eco-friendly and fun to use. Our sister company, Stadium Crayons, featured on Series 4 of the BBC2 series ‘Inside the Factory’. Keeko Kids takes sustainability and environmental responsibility seriously. Our crayons are manufactured in the UK and scientifically tested.
Crayons do more than add colour to paper. They help children imagine, create and see the world in new ways - whether that’s drawing a rainbow, a rocket ship or a purple elephant.
With safe, sustainable crayons, you’re not just colouring. You’re helping your child grow while keeping the planet in mind. And that’s a beautiful picture to create together.
Safe for little hands. Kind to the planet. Fun for everyone.