About
What is PHA and why does it matter for your family?
Biobased
PHA is naturally produced by microorganisms - not derived from petroleum or fossil fuels. It's a material that comes from biology, not a refinery.
Non-toxic
No BPAs, petroleum, phthalates, or PVC - ever. PHA has no toxic breakdown products, making it one of the safest materials available for children's products.
Biodegradable
When eventually disposed of, PHA breaks down completely in soil, freshwater, and marine environments. No microplastics. No fragments. No trace.
The YOPP® Sandbox Toy Set by Mango Materials is the planet-positive alternative to traditional plastic toys. Designed for little hands and big imaginations, this 3-piece beach toy set—including a bucket, scoop, and sifter—is made from YOPP® (You Omit Polluting Plastics), a breakthrough material that safely returns to nature.
Inspired by biology and produced through sustainable U.S. biomanufacturing, YOPP® is made from renewable carbon and non-toxic, petroleum-free ingredients. That means no BPAs, phthalates, or PVC—ever. Every piece is durable, lightweight, and crafted with eco-friendly colorants, ensuring a safe, guilt-free way to play.
Perfect for kids aged 2+, this compact 5.5-inch cube set fits easily in any beach bag. Whether you’re building sandcastles, exploring tide pools, or teaching your child about caring for the planet in your front yard, the YOPP® Sandbox Toy Set turns playtime into a small act of climate action.
Key Features:
- 3-piece set: bucket, scoop, and sifter
- Made with YOPP® biopolymer PHA material
- Non-toxic, renewable, and designed for the natural carbon cycle
- Made in the USA using methane-based biomanufacturing
- Safe for children, safe for the planet
Because caring for small hands means caring for their planet.
As a mom of two young kids and someone who cares deeply about protecting our natural world, this sandbox set is exactly what I was looking for. It’s safe for my kids, safe for the planet, as durable as any other high quality plastic toy and (very importantly) my kids love it! These YOPP toys have become the default digging tools in our sandbox and we will be bringing them on a lot of lake adventures this summer. If you’re looking for sand toys you can feel truly good about, this set is it!
Mango Materials sees the future. Female innovators designing for the planet. AMAZING!
Absolutely love it! The quality is top-notch, and I’ve already recommended it to several friends.
I love having this set to share the challenge of plastics and the benefits of innovation with my kiddos.
Fast delivery, great quality, and amazing support! I had a few questions and the team was incredibly helpful and friendly throughout.
As Seen In
We turn biogas methane—an emission from the Vacaville, CA wastewater plant—into a biopolymer called PHA. That’s the power of circular design: transforming waste into wonder.
YOPP® stands for “You Omit Polluting Plastics.”
It’s more than a material—it’s a movement.
Have a question ? We are here to help.
Check out the most common questions our customers asked. Still have questions ? Contact our customer support.
What is PHA and how is it different than traditional plastic?
PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) are naturally occurring biopolymers made by microorganisms. Unlike traditional plastics derived from fossil fuels, PHA is produced through fermentation and completely breaks down into water and CO2, leaving no microplastics behind.
Is PHA safe?
Yes. PHA is non-toxic, BPA-free, and suited for products intended for children or food handling.
Can PHA be used with existing manufacturing equipment?
Yes. PHA is compatible with standard plastic manufacturing equipment for injection molding, extrusion, and 3D printing. While some minor adjustments to temperature and cooling cycles may be needed, it is designed to run on the machinery you already own.
How long does it take for PHA to biodegrade, and will it break down on the shelf?
PHA is completely shelf-stable and will not degrade during normal use or storage. It only begins to break down when exposed to microbial activity in soil or compost. For example, a thin film can biodegrade in less than 2 weeks in an anaerobic environment, yet it remains durable for years on a retail shelf.
Does PHA leave behind microplastics?
No. Because PHA is a nutrient source for naturally occurring microorganisms, it is digested entirely. Whether in a home compost bin or the ocean, it breaks down into organic biomass, water, and CO2, leaving zero polluting microplastics behind.