Ahead of next week’s Brand Licensing Europe (17-19 November), Products of Change and the Radius Group have revealed the launch of what is being described as a ‘truly sustainable brand champion’ for the community and the planet.
Obki on Sky Kids will look to drive the sustainability agenda on a global platform through a series of worldwide licensing deals via newly signed agency, the Radius Group.
Supported by Products of Change, Obki will look to bring together the most sustainable companies to curate a range of brand lifestyle products including apparel, plush, toys, food and publishing.
The cartoon series on Sky Kids features Obki, a loveable alien, on his journey to be a positive force for good on Earth. The show is part of Sky’s campaign to be net zero carbon by 2030 and its commitment to encourage its customers to #GoZero, by using its content and channels to raise awareness of the climate crisis and inspire viewers with actions they can take to protect the planet.
“Obki has a unique ability to command the most sustainable licensing partners and influence what toys, clothes and food consumers buy and how they use their purchases at home,” commented Damian Hopkins, ceo of the Radius Group. “Obki will lead by example, driving change in the character licensing industry, by collaborating with licensees and partners to deliver products with sustainability at their core.”
For 2022, Obki will focus on being the voice of positivity and proactivity in the face of climate change doom and gloom and communicate that small changes make a big difference. Customers will be able to view Obki on Sky Kids and obtain detailed information about the sustainability credentials of Obki’s food, clothing, toys or homewares they are purchasing.
Obki founder, Amanda Evans, commented: “We want to educate consumers about Obki’s sustainability principles and how they can shop more ethically and reach for the product that they know is better for the planet.
“Retailers will then be able to shift ethically minded consumers towards these products. Obki will become an active ambassador for climate change by inspiring the next generation to be environmentally intuitive in their thinking and decision making.”
Helena Mansell-Stopher, ceo and founder of Products of Change, continued: “Obki is an example of a brand that embeds sustainability into its thinking and operations. To see the ambitions of the team to build a truly sustainable licensed brand from content to product is pretty phenomenal, as well as incorporating a large proportion of the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals within its sustainability framework.
“It is a real honour to be working with such a progressive team at Obki to bring this to life, and I am really looking forward to watching its success around the world.”
Obki was screened at COP26 at a special event called World Leaders Listen Up, with Obki’s animator Simone Giampaolo being chosen as a UK Government ‘One Step Greener’ Ambassador.
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