LEGO bricks have been around for nearly 80 years and have successfully outlasted tons of toy trends. They’ve held their ground during the recent tech movement, remaining a consistent staple in every kid’s toy box. And that’s a good thing — the blocks have proven to boost cognitive development with children through structured block play, building essential motor skills and spatial perception.
Despite their age, LEGOs are gracefully keeping up with the times. Research shows consumers are demanding sustainable products now more than ever, and the LEGO Group has a plan.
Sustainable Goals
The billion-dollar toy company recently announced a goal of 100 percent sustainable packaging by 2025.
Much of LEGO’s packaging is already sustainable — the cardboard and other paper-based materials used are recyclable. However, the single-use plastics encasing their products are not. The LEGO Group has given this eco-unfriendly packaging an expiration date.
“By 2025, our aim is that no LEGO packaging parts have to end up in a landfill. Packaging will be made from renewable or recycled materials and will be easy for consumers to recycle,” said Vice President of Environmental Responsibility Tim Brooks in LEGO’s announcement.
LEGO packaging is well on its way — products in the U.S. and Canada proudly adorn the How2Recycle label and often contain recycled materials. All of their cardboard and paper is recyclable, sustainably sourced and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
To reach their 100 percent sustainable packaging goal, the LEGO group will continue to prioritize renewable, efficient and recyclable materials.
Other Ways LEGO Goes Green
LEGO is also leaving behind fossil fuel plastics and working on plant-based bricks. Botanical LEGOs, like green bushes and trees, will be the first to get this eco-friendly upgrade. The new bricks will be made from responsibly sourced sugarcane.
The LEGO Group is the first toy company to join forces with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Bioplastic Feedstock Alliance to ensure raw material for the bioplastics industry is sourced sustainably.
The company has also partnered with WWF to set ambitious goals to shrink its carbon footprint. Upgrading to efficient manufacturing equipment and cooling systems has caused a drop in greenhouse gas emissions at LEGO, and the company is working hard to create a carbon-neutral supply chain.
Along with their commitment to 100 percent sustainable packaging by 2025, the LEGO Group aims for 100 percent renewable energy by 2020. The offshore wind farms providing the LEGO Group with renewable energy were carefully installed with innovative noise-mitigating hardware to lower the impact on marine life.
LEGO reached its renewable energy goal three years early. The energy output resulting from the company’s investment in renewables exceeds the energy consumed at all LEGO factories and offices globally.