BBC expands into eco-friendly soft toys

The BBC has expanded into soft toys with the launch of a line of Planet Earth-branded eco-friendly products.

Toys stuffed with material from old bottles, a Planet Earth Monopoly board from recycled paper, puzzles and an "outdoor explorer kit" are among the products available after BBC Worldwide agreed deals with several manufacturers.

In Monopoly Planet Earth edition, players can trade the earth's natural resources, landscapes and animals, all with money made from recycled paper. There is also a Planet Earth DVD board game, from Imagination International, with series footage.

It comes after the documentary series attracted huge audiences on the Discovery Channel in the US. The deals are part of Worldwide's aim of making money to help self-fund the corporation.

Anna Hewitt, BBC Worldwide head of international licensing, said: "We are incredibly excited to be working with these best-in-class toy partners to launch one-of-a-kind product lines that celebrate our extraordinary world and embrace the environmental integrity of the series.

"Planet Earth provides consumers and retailers with the opportunity to take a small step to help safeguard the planet with merchandise that educates and promotes respect for our environment, and we look forward to growing the brand with these and other partners."

The toys have just been launched in the US.