LEGO to use renewable materials for half its bricks soon
LEGO, the world-renowned Danish toy company, has announced an ambitious plan to manufacture half of its plastic bricks from renewable or recycled materials by 2026. This initiative is part of LEGO's broader strategy to make its products more eco-friendly. For the past eight years, the business has been attempting to create a Lego brick without utilizing virgin fossil fuel. The company had also previously attempted to produce bricks entirely from recycled bottles but faced challenges related to cost and production.
LEGO's current production and future goals
Currently, 30% of one colorful brick is created using resin that is certified mass balance, which means that, on average, 22% of the material needed to make a Lego brick comes from renewable and recycled sources. "By doing this, the company aims to help accelerate the industry's transition to more sustainable, high-quality materials," the toymaker stated in a press release.
LEGO's strategy to reduce oil-based plastic use
In the long run, Lego plans to transition totally to renewable and recycled plastic by 2032. To achieve this, LEGO has been actively exploring over 600 alternative materials for its products. The company aims to gradually reduce the amount of oil-based plastic it uses by paying up to 70% more for certified renewable resin, in an effort to encourage manufacturers to increase production.
LEGO's commitment to sustainability and consumer impact
LEGO's CEO, Niels Christiansen, acknowledged that the shift toward more sustainable materials would significantly increase the cost of producing its bricks. Despite this, the company has committed to tripling its annual spending on sustainability to DKK3 billion ($340 million) by 2025 without passing on these additional costs to consumers. Christiansen stated, "So far we have decided that we will bear the burden of it, and [the extra cost] comes out of our bottom line."
LEGO's efforts to stimulate industry development
Christiansen further explained that LEGO's investment in sustainable materials is an attempt to "try to push the industry to develop" and "shift the supply chain." The company hopes this will eventually lead to the discovery of new or more affordable materials, helping it meet its 2032 target. In addition, LEGO has expanded its brick takeback program, Replay, into the UK and continues testing similar models in the United States and Europe.
