As the owner of NEWTOP SILICONE, a dedicated silicone products manufacturing factory, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the pet toy industry has evolved. Pet owners today are investing more in high-quality toys that are safe, durable, and even eco-friendly for their beloved animals. This blog post will share a market overview of pet toys in Europe and North America and then walk you through how we manufacture silicone pet toys – from choosing the right materials and designing molds to production, quality control, and packaging. My aim is to provide a clear, professional (yet easy-to-understand) guide, especially for brands and businesses looking to customize or source their own line of pet toys.

Pet Toy Market Overview in Europe and North America

The pet toy market is booming on a global scale, driven by the growing number of pet owners who treat pets as part of the family. According to recent market research, the global pet toys market was valued at about $8.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $18.4 billion by 2032, growing at an annual rate of roughly 8%  . This strong growth is a clear indicator of rising demand. Europe and North America together make up a significant portion of this market. Europe alone accounts for roughly 30% of the global pet toy market (about $0.96 billion in 2023) , reflecting a deeply rooted culture of pet ownership across European countries. Meanwhile, North America holds around a one-third share of the global market , thanks to high pet ownership rates and owners’ willingness to spend on premium pet products. In the United States, for example, an estimated 44% of households own dogs and

26% own cats – a huge consumer base continually seeking toys and accessories for their pets.

Caption: The global pet toy market is thriving, with forecasts reaching over $18 billion by 2032  . A wide variety of pet toys (chew toys, ropes, balls, etc., as shown) caters to the growing demand from pet owners who increasingly view their pets as family. This surge is especially notable in North America and Europe, which together account for a large share of the market.

Several key trends are shaping the pet toy market. One is the “pet humanization” trend – people treat pets like family and are willing to spend more on their well-being  . This means higher demand for toys that are not only fun, but also beneficial to pets’ physical and mental health. (Indeed, pet toys

are seen as important for exercise and mental stimulation, not just entertainment   .) Another big trend is the focus on safety and sustainability. Pet owners are becoming more conscious of the materials in pet products – they prefer non-toxic, eco-friendly toys and those that will last longer (reducing waste). There’s also a growing interest in innovative toys (for example, interactive or smart toys), but even with high-tech gadgets, quality materials remain a top priority to ensure pets’ safety. Importantly for our readers, many pet brands are developing their own custom toy lines. In fact, a 2024 market report highlighted that the rising demand for private-label pet products is a significant factor driving growth in this industry   . Pet supply retailers and new pet-centric brands in Europe and America are looking to

differentiate themselves by offering uniquely designed toys under their own label. As a manufacturer, I see this trend every day in inquiries for custom shapes, brand logos on toys, and requests for specific material properties.

So, where do silicone pet toys fit into this picture? Silicone has quickly become one of the preferred materials for premium pet toys and supplies. From my perspective running a silicone factory, this isn’t surprising – silicone addresses many of the concerns and trends mentioned above. Silicone toys are non-toxic and pet-safe, because food-grade silicone is free from harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and PVC   . Pet owners can have peace of mind when their dog is chewing on a silicone bone or when a

cat is licking a silicone feeder toy; there’s no risk of toxic leaching or strange chemical odors . Additionally, silicone is extremely durable and long-lasting under rough play. Unlike some rubber or plastic toys that might crack, crumble, or harden over time, silicone doesn’t degrade easily – it resists UV light, heat, and cold without breaking down  . This makes it ideal for toys that need to withstand chewing, tug-of-war, and outdoor conditions. Silicone is also flexible but tough, which means toys can have a satisfying softness for pets to bite, yet not tear apart easily. Moreover, silicone’s flexibility allows for creative toy designs (even those with complex shapes or textures to engage pets) while still being sturdy.

Caption: A dog enthusiastically playing tug-of-war with a ring-shaped toy. Silicone chew toys like this are designed to be both durable and safe for pets, standing up to intense play without tearing. The non-toxic, food-grade silicone material ensures that even if the toy is chewed or licked, it’s completely safe for the animal  . And thanks to silicone’s toughness, it maintains its shape and integrity over time  , even with active use on sandy beaches or backyards.

Another advantage of silicone for pet toys is how easy it is to clean and maintain. Silicone is non-porous and doesn’t easily harbor bacteria or odors   – a quick rinse or toss in the dishwasher can sanitize the toy, which is a big plus for pet hygiene. Finally, from a design and customization standpoint, silicone is incredibly versatile. It can be molded into virtually any shape or color. This is perfect for brands that want a unique toy design or a signature color to match their branding. At NEWTOP SILICONE, for instance, we can mix custom color pigments into the silicone, so your toys can have a precise Pantone shade that represents your company. We can also incorporate logos or text onto the toy’s surface via the mold itself

or through printing, giving truly branded pet toys. In short, silicone aligns perfectly with market

demands: it produces toys that are safe, durable, attractive, and highly customizable.

How Silicone Pet Toys Are Made: From Concept to Finished Product

With the market overview covered, let’s dive into the manufacturing process. Knowing how silicone pet toys are made can help you appreciate the level of craftsmanship and quality control involved – and if you’re a brand looking to create custom toys, it will also help you understand how we can tailor the process to your needs. At NEWTOP SILICONE, we have honed our production techniques to ensure consistently high quality and flexibility for customization. Here are the key steps we follow:

1. Material Selection (Choosing the Right Silicone): Everything starts with selecting high-quality raw silicone. We typically use food-grade silicone rubber for pet toys, the same kind of silicone used in baby products or kitchenware to ensure safety . This silicone material is certified non- toxic and FDA-compliant for food safety standards (which also indicates it’s safe if a pet bites or licks it). For European clients, we ensure materials can meet equivalent EU standards (such as

LFGB in Germany for food-contact safety). Beyond just the base silicone, we also consider any additives or colorants at this stage. If a client wants a certain color toy, we mix in color masterbatches that are also food-grade and stable (the colors won’t bleed or fade easily). We can even adjust the hardness of the silicone by choosing specific formulations – for example, a softer silicone for a gentle chew toy for puppies, or a slightly firmer one for an aggressive chewer

toy. By carefully choosing and testing the silicone compound upfront, we set the foundation for a toy that meets the desired safety and performance criteria. (Why this matters: Proper material selection ensures the final product is safe for pets and matches the brand’s quality standards. It also offers flexibility – for instance, customizing color and softness to align with a brand’s vision and the toy’s purpose.)*

2. Mold Design and Prototyping: Once we know the material specifics and have a concept for the toy, the next step is designing the mold. This is a critical step for customization – the mold defines the toy’s shape, textures, and any engraved details like logos or slogans. Our engineering team works closely with the client’s design (or we help create a design) to develop a 3D CAD model of the toy. We consider every detail: the toy’s dimensions, surface texture (for example, adding nubs or ridges on a chew toy for dental massage), and even internal features (like a cavity for a squeaker, if needed). Using the CAD model, we then create a mold, usually from steel or aluminum. Molds for silicone toys can be made via CNC machining and sometimes EDM (electric discharge machining) for fine details. For custom projects, we often first make a prototype – either by 3D-printing a model or making a single-cavity test mold – so the client can see and feel a sample of the toy before full production. This prototyping phase helps us refine the design if needed. It’s at this stage we also plan the molding method (injection or compression) based on the design. For example, if the toy has intricate details or hollow sections (like a treat-dispensing puzzle toy), we would likely use injection molding for precision. Simpler solid shapes can be done with compression molding as (Why this matters: Thoughtful mold design ensures the final

toy meets the brand’s aesthetic and functional requirements. It’s also where we lock in any branding elements – a custom mold means your toy shape is unique to your brand. Prototyping and design reviews at this stage help prevent costly changes later and guarantee satisfaction with the product’s look and feel.)*

3. Molding the Toy (Injection Molding Compression Molding): With the finalized mold ready, we move on to the actual production of the toys. Silicone pet toys are typically made using one of two molding techniques: injection molding or compression molding . The choice depends on the toy’s design complexity and the production volume. In injection molding, we use liquid silicone (LSR – Liquid Silicone Rubber). The silicone is mixed with a curing agent and injected

under high pressure into the closed mold, which is heated. The silicone flows into every crevice of the mold, then cures (solidifies) quickly under heat. Injection molding is highly efficient for high- volume orders and allows very intricate designs with fine details, since the silicone is forced into the mold precisely. The result is a very consistent product each cycle. One advantage: this method yields toys with very uniform quality and minimal trimming, and it’s great for complex or hollow shapes. Compression molding, on the other hand, involves placing a pre-measured chunk of solid silicone (called a “preform”) into the open mold, then closing the mold and applying pressure and heat   . The silicone is squashed into shape and cured. Compression

molding is often used for simpler or thicker toys and is cost-effective for smaller production runs or when making prototypes               . It usually has lower upfront tooling costs because the molds can be simpler. However, it might require a bit more post-mold trimming of excess silicone (flash) and has slightly longer cycle times than injection. In our factory, we have both capabilities, and we advise clients on the best method. For example, if you need high volume

and extremely consistent parts, we’d lean toward injection molding (despite the higher tooling

cost) because it will be more efficient and precise for large runs  . If you have a unique shape in a modest quantity or need a quick turnaround on a new design, compression molding might be perfectly suitable and more economical   . In either case, the molding process is where silicone

transforms from raw material to the actual toy shape. We maintain strict control of parameters like temperature and curing time to ensure the silicone vulcanizes properly – this is what gives the toy its final strength and elasticity. (Why this matters: Understanding these techniques helps you as a client know how your toy will be made and the cost implications. Injection molding can produce very complex, high-precision toys at scale, while compression molding offers flexibility for custom small-batch orders. Our ability to do both means we can tailor production to your project’s needs, ensuring you get the best balance of quality, detail, and cost.)*

4. Post-Molding Finishing and Quality Control: Once the toys come out of the mold, we’re not done yet – quality control (QC) is a huge part of the process. First, we remove any excess silicone “flash” (a thin layer that can seep between mold parts) by trimming it off For toys made via injection molding, flash is usually minimal, whereas compression-molded toys might have a bit more to trim. Next, we inspect each toy for defects or inconsistencies. Our QC team checks that each toy matches specifications – correct dimensions, shape, and no missing details from the mold. We also ensure there are no sharp edges or weak spots. For example, if a toy has a hole for a squeaker or a treat, we ensure the edges are smooth and the part is sturdy around that area. We might do some physical tests on random samples, especially for a new design – like stretching or twisting the toy to make sure it won’t break under normal pet use. Because pet toys might be chewed or tugged vigorously, we verify that there are no small pieces that could break off and become a hazard. In addition, since we promote the safety of our silicone, we can conduct or provide certificates for material safety tests (like showing the silicone is BPA-free, meets FDA/ LFGB standards, etc.). If a client requires it, we can also assist with any third-party testing or compliance documentation (for instance, some brands might want assurance that the toys meet children’s toy safety standards like EN71, even if not legally required for pet toys – it’s an extra

peace of mind). Throughout production, we follow a strict quality management system so that every batch of toys is consistent. (Why this matters: Rigorous quality control ensures that the custom toys you receive are safe and high-quality, reinforcing your brand’s reputation. It’s especially important for pet products because end-users (the pets and pet owners) need to trust that the toy won’t harm their furry friends. By catching any defects, we protect both the pets and your brand.)*

5. Packaging and Custom Packing Solutions: The final step is packaging the toys for For bulk B2B orders, we typically pack toys in clean, protective packaging (like poly bags or boxes) to keep them dust-free and hygienic during transit. However, many of our clients are customer- facing brands, so we offer custom packaging solutions to help your product stand out. This can include individual packaging for each toy with your branding, labels, or barcodes as needed. For example, we can arrange blister packs, header cards, or custom printed boxes that feature your company’s logo and artwork. Not only does this add a professional touch, but it also provides a ready-for-retail product when you receive it. We ensure that packaging materials we use are safe and, where possible, environmentally friendly (recyclable or biodegradable options are available if that aligns with your brand’s values). Before sealing the packages, each toy gets a final wipe- down/clean (especially if it’s a light-colored silicone that might show any factory dust – we want it looking perfect). We also include any instructions or inserts if the product requires (for instance, care instructions or marketing inserts you want to add). Finally, the toys are boxed up and prepared for shipment. (Why this matters: Thoughtful packaging not only protects the product quality but also extends your branding. A well-presented product can enhance customer satisfaction. By handling custom packaging at the factory, we save you time and ensure consistency, so when your shipment arrives, it’s essentially retail-ready or ready to distribute.)*

Throughout each of these steps, the underlying theme is flexibility and partnership. Since this article is written from my perspective as a manufacturer, I want to emphasize that we work closely with our B2B clients at every stage – from material selection (maybe you have specific safety standards you need to meet) to design tweaks and choosing the optimal production method. Our goal is to produce silicone pet toys that fulfill your brand’s vision and quality expectations. Manufacturing is as much an art as it is a science in this regard: it’s about finding the right balance between your creative ideas and our technical expertise to make them a reality.

Conclusion: Bringing Your Custom Pet Toy Ideas to Life

The pet toy market in Europe and North America is full of opportunities for brands that focus on quality and innovation. We’ve looked at how silicone pet toys check all the boxes – safety, durability, and customizability – which is why they’re at the forefront of many new product lines in the pet industry. And we’ve pulled back the curtain on how exactly these toys are made, step by step, to give you transparency into the production process.

If you’re a brand manager, product developer, or procurement specialist considering a custom silicone pet toy project, I hope this overview has been informative and reassuring. At NEWTOP SILICONE, we take pride in our craftsmanship and technical know-how in making top-quality silicone products. I personally invite you to browse our company’s customization pages and product catalog to see examples of what we can do. Whether you have a fully fleshed-out design or just an idea on paper, we’re here to help develop it into a finished product. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or to discuss your specific needs – no inquiry is too small. As the owner of the company, I’m deeply involved in ensuring every project is a success, and I’m always excited to collaborate on new pet toy ideas.

Let’s work together to create the next hit silicone pet toy that will delight pets and pet owners alike. With the market on the rise and an experienced manufacturing partner (that’s us!) by your side, your custom pet toys can soon become a reality. We look forward to helping you bring safe, fun, and innovative pet toys to your customers. Thank you for reading, and please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information or a quote – we’re ready to turn your vision into quality silicone products.

Enrique

Hi, I am the author of this article. For the past 10 years or so, we have been dedicated to meeting the custom silicone product needs of our customers from over 50 countries and regions around the world.

If you have any questions, please contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.