Once upon a time...

... a giraffe was born on Saint Sophie's Day, May 25th, 1961.

One day in France, a certain Monsieur RAMPEAU, who was an expert in transforming the latex from the HEVEA tree using the rotational moulding of rubber as a toy-making concept, came up with the idea of designing a giraffe. Such an exotic wildlife figure would be a first on the market, and its size and shape would be ideal for a baby's small hand to grasp.

Sophie la Girafe®, who looked exactly the same as she does today, went into production on Thursday May the 25th.

To this day, Sophie la Girafe® is still "traditionally" produced, a process that involves more than 14 manual operations.

She is made from 100% natural rubber derived from the latex of the Hevea tree.

How she's made

A toy made from 100% natural rubber

The latex from the Hevea tree was first processed in 1928 using the vulcanization technique invented by Mr. Charles Goodyear.

The rubber used by Vulli comes exclusively from the Hevea trees growing in Malaysia. Each morning before the heat of the day settles in, the milky liquid that oozes from the cells beneath the bark is collected from these millions of Hevea trees. This liquid is known as “latex”.

Latex is natural, soft, elastic, waterproof, insulating and pleasant to smell and touch.

To create the little wonder that is Sophie la Girafe®, Vulli first heats the latex using a special process involving a technique called “rotomoulding” and then performs a series of 14 manual operations.

The Sophie la Girafe® film

A unique product, produced according to exceptional high quality standards

The Vulli company has always placed the quality of its products at the heart of its concerns.
For over fifty years, consumers have placed their trust in us and we do our utmost to satisfy them.

All of our products sold worldwide comply with European and global legislated standards. As such, Vulli provides its clients with products that comply with the very highest requirements. Regardless of the regulations in force in the country where they are sold, the same products are sold worldwide, meeting the most stringent legislation in all areas. Vulli has only one requirement, namely, providing the very best to our customers.

We have even gone one step further in maintaining the quality of Sophie la Girafe®. Since July 2011, each Sophie la Girafe® produced has her lot number printed on the back of a leg, enabling full product traceability (production date and relevant laboratory analysis).

Each number corresponds to a batch tested by an approved laboratory and certifies its compliance with European and international standards. In case of doubt, health authorities can access these analytical reports. Moreover, we believe that we are the only toy manufacturer worldwide to offer such a high level of batch traceability, and therefore a high safety level for our consumers.

Everyone loves Sophie

Sophie is famous all over the world

She has been star spotted with Miranda Kerr, Elton John, Sandra Bullock, Naomi Watts, Kate Hudson, Isla Fisher, Nicole Richie, Halle Berry, Madonna and many more!

And has won multiple awards...

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