The founder of Hape started his business by hand-making wooden toys that were distributed to German kindergartens. As the brand grew, the company opened a factory in Ningbo, China, which now produces Hape and Educo toys (Educo being the other brand owned by the company). Their products include unique skill games, puzzles, vehicles, dolls, dollhouses and role play sets, made manly of wood including bamboo wood, FSC wood and not certified wood from China. The toys are painted with water-based paints, formaldehyde-free glue and coated with beeswax. The packaging is made from 90% recycled paper. Factory limits its production waste with many smart solutions, such as paint “drip-catchers” or recycling wood dust into fiberboard. It also operates its own sewage treatment facility. The company declares to be committed to a responsible employment policy and to providing career development opportunities for its employees. Moreover, it is proud for funding the construction of schools, supporting gifted children with financial assistance and contributing over $45,000 in toys to the earthquake victims in Si Chuan province in China.