Stepping Over Milestones: Stephan Schenk of Stapelstein

Stephan Schenk is the designer-turned-entrepreneur behind
Stapelstein, the German startup that is redefining children’s
play through vibrant, ultra-light “stacking stones” made from 100
% recyclable EPP. Inspired by a childhood spent in a family of
educators, Stephan set out to get kids moving in the classroom;
what began as a dynamic chair concept in 2016 quickly evolved
into an open-ended play system that lets children (and adults)
build, balance, sort, and imagine without limits.


Learn more at stapelstein.comToday Stapelstein is a
purpose-driven company headquartered near Stuttgart, employing 29
people and posting €40 million in annual turnover. Stephan has
hard-wired social and environmental responsibility into the firm
through a steward-ownership model, German-made carbon-neutral
production, and a commitment to designing products that outlast
trends and generations.Under his leadership, the brand’s
rainbow-hued elements have earned a string of accolades,
including Good Housekeeping’s Best Toy Award 2024 and multiple
design honors for their minimalist aesthetic and durability.
Stephan’s work has been featured at SXSW 2025, where he spoke on
marrying playful design with positive societal impact.





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