Mammutico in questions and answers

Foam Mammutico blocks are new in the Polish market. Although the company has existed for more than two years, we needed a lot of time to test our products when it comes to their safety and duration. Additionally, there was a period in which we tested product together with children. We checked the blocks’ durability, assessed a number of users that can conveniently play together with a particular set, we observed how children at various ages can deal with construction. We also waited patiently for opinions of independent experts whom we had sent our products to be tested. Therapists and psychologists who work with the youngest children assured us that our blocks are proper not only for playing, but also for individual work with young kids, as elements supporting sensory integration.

Foam Mammutico blocks are still a mystery for many of you. You ask, call, send enquiries... we have gathered them all in order to publish a text in a form of an interview with the company owner and author of the whole idea – Dominik Berliński.

 

What is the difference between Mammutico blocks and other huge blocks available in the market?

Mammutico™ blocks are unique. They stand out from the crowd thanks to a great number of uses. They may be used indoors, outdoors and even in water. They are willingly used not only by children, but also by teenagers and adults. Owing to specially designed shapes they enable building various original constructions. They are also a good therapeutic tool for children with psycho-physical dysfunctions. Their structure encourage to develop fine and gross motor skills so they are willingly used by therapists specializing in sensory integration.

Other huge blocks that can usually be found in the Polish market, contrary to Mammutico, are not multitask products. They are made from ordinary foam covered with coated fabric and can be used mainly indoors. Besides, the fabric quickly wears off and absorbs moisture, because of which such blocks are not durable.

Can you make blocks which will have other shapes?

Yes, but it depends on the size of an order. We are able to modify the size of blocks in the existing sets or even make something from scratch to meet the needs of our customers.

Is it possible to order a set with a different number of blocks?

Of course, but as I mentioned – everything depends on your order. It is always easier to add extra shapes to the existing set, but we can also deal with making it smaller.

Can we buy separate blocks?

It is possible, but the waiting time depends on the size of order.

Does a set include an instruction of how to use blocks?

No. The aim of our blocks is development of imagination, stimulation of creativity and looking for new solutions. It is not imitative work and we assume that the blocks should not limit the creativity of users in any way.

For Smart sets we created workshops scenarios which suggest how you can inspire kids to think creatively. In Mini sets you will find 10 games that support sensory integration of children. None of these manuals gives ready solutions though, they only show a sample result of the play.

Does a set include an instruction manual and what does it concern?

Yes. The instruction manual describes rules of use, rules of safety, the number of elements in specific sets, recommended storing and maintenance conditions of Mammutico™ blocks.

How can we know that particular sets will suffice for a particular number of children?

We checked that. We have visited many schools and kindergartens where we have brought our blocks. We also cooperate with animators and educators. Thanks to our efforts, observations and experience we are able to assess a proper number of kids for each set as well as a minimal space needed for convenient play.

What norms do Mammutico products comply with?

Mammutico blocks comply with toys regulations, according to 2009-48-WE EU Directive. In order to confirm safety of the use of the product, Mammutico Foam™ has been tested in many ways: mechanical and physical properties research, flammability test (TÜV Rheinland) and migration of specific elements test (Intertek). We have recently carried out a test on flammability of the foam used for floor mats and on their cushioning properties so as they comply with the PN-EN 1176-10 norm for playrooms.

Why is toys certification so important?

It is worth paying attention to it especially in case of products directed for children. Buying only tested toys, we limit the risk of undesirable risk for the kids who use them.

Does your product have the CE sign?

Yes. As a manufacturer launching a product to the market we have the duty to issue the declaration of conformity, which we do on the basis of the aforementioned tests.

What does the CE sign mean?

CE placed on a product, its package or instruction manual is a declaration of a manufacturer meaning that a products complies with safety requirements described in EU directives and can be launched in the European market. This designation is required in case of many products that many consumers use on a daily basis (electrical appliances, toys, fridges, freezers, lifts, machines, medical products, personal protective equipment etc.)

Who assigns the CE sign?

CE is a declaration of a producer or a distributor that places the sign on a product, taking on a responsibility for checking if a products is compliant with directives.

What does the compatibility assessment procedure look like?

Compatibility assessment assumes tests carried out by manufacturers or their representatives. In such a situation tests carried out by some independent institution is not required. Medical goods must be tested by a notified body and then, apart from the sign, there is also an identification number on the product.

What does the cooperation between Mammutico and Imagination Playground look like?

First of all we are not competitors. Imagination Playground playrooms is an American product for whom we are the only representative in the Polish market. IP blocks have different shapes, are far more expensive and you have to wait longer for their dispatch than for production in Mammutico. However, there are customers who want to buy an American version of foam blocks and we, as a distributor, take care of all necessary procedures in order to import them to our country.

What material are the blocks made of?

Mammutico™ blocks are made of Mammutico Foam™, that is polyethylene foam with specially chosen qualities that meet the standards for toys. At the same time it has such key properties as durability and lightness.

Why are your products so expensive?

Construction of a basic playroom for 10 kids, compliant with safety regulations, costs at least 10 thousand PLN (a slide, a balance beam, poles for walking).  Taking into account the workmanship, possibilities of our blocks, their mobility and opportunity to use them indoors and outdoors, the price seems to be sensible. The blocks are manufactured in Poland and the material from which they have been made is cyclically tested. Manufacturing itself is very expensive and if we take into account the cost of material and tests the price seems to be really competitive.

How can we clean Mammutico™ blocks?

You can clean the blocks, using water with some gentle liquid, water steam or hands disinfectants used for example in hospitals. Smaller elements might be washed in a dishwasher. When choosing cleaning liquids, check if they are non-toxic.

Are Mammutico™ blocks friendly for the environment?

Yes, because of their durability and lightness. Our products cannot be broken easily, even during intensive use. However, if someone cuts them for example, you can recycle them, using small parts to, for example, secure a package. Worn out products can be returned to us and we will take care of their utilization.

Can Mammutico™ blocks be stored outdoors?

Mammutico™ are resistant to weather conditions, but we recommend to store them in covered places. A great solution are also our waterproof, capacious and handy Mammutico bags.

Is there any warranty on Mammutico™ blocks?

Of course. We give a 2-year warranty on our blocks.

What does Mammutico™ blocks warranty include?

We guarantee that the blocks will not break or become fragile. There might be slight scratches on their surface, but it should not influence their functionality.