LEGO to phase out single-use plastic bags!
September 15, 2020
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This has been a massive year for LEGO announcements and news, but I think this is one of the most important for the LEGO group.
LEGO have pledged to invest US$400m over the next three years to accelerate their sustainability efforts.
The most significant announcement is that LEGO are finally phasing out the use of single-use plastics bags that you find in LEGO sets.
There are a number of other sustainability goals that LEGO is trying to achieve – creating more sustainable products, achieving zero waste & carbon neutral operations, circularity and inspiring children to learn about sustainability through play.
From 2021, Forest Stewardship Council-certified recyclable paper bags will be trialled in certain boxes, with the ultimate aim to make all its packaging sustainable by the end of 2025.
One of my pet peeves is the silly amounts of plastic included when you build a LEGO set, and it sometimes seems like overkill, especially if you’re building a large set with dozens of bags for parts.
I think this is a great move, and long overdue, so it’s amazing to see LEGO finally come to the table, and drive tangible change with their sustainability initiatives.
Kids of all ages interact with LEGO, and I think this will prove to be an immensely powerful tool for parents to educate them about the downsides of single use plastic, and the shift to sustainable materials is so crucial.
What do you think of this announcement by LEGO? Let me know what else you’d like to see from LEGO with their sustainability initiatives!
Press Release:
LEGO Group to invest up to US$400 million
over three years
to accelerate sustainability efforts
- Next step is to begin to phase out single-use plastic bags from LEGO® boxes in latest move to make all packaging sustainable by 2025.
- Further investments will also be made in creating more sustainable products, achieving zero waste & carbon neutral operations, circularity and inspiring children to learn about sustainability through play.
BILLUND: The LEGO Group today announced it plans to invest up to US$400 million – covering ongoing costs and long-term investments – across three years to accelerate sustainability and social responsibility initiatives. The company, which has made a series of moves over the past 10 years to build a better planet for future generations, believes it’s increasingly urgent and important to prioritise environmental and social activity.
The LEGO Group CEO, Niels B Christiansen said: “We cannot lose sight of the fundamental challenges facing future generations. It’s critical we take urgent action now to care for the planet and future generations. As a company who looks to children as our role models, we are inspired by the millions of kids who have called for more urgent action on climate change. We believe they should have access to opportunities to develop the skills necessary to create a sustainable future. We will step up our efforts to use our resources, networks, expertise and platforms to make a positive difference.”
As a next step, the company will begin to phase out single-use plastic bags used in LEGO boxes to package the loose bricks. This is part of its ambition to make all its packaging sustainable by the end of 2025. From 2021, Forest Stewardship Council-certified recyclable paper bags will be trialled in boxes.
Christiansen said: “We have received many letters from children about the environment asking us to remove single-use plastic packaging. We have been exploring alternatives for some time and the passion and ideas from children inspired us to begin to make the change.”
Moving away from the existing packaging is not a simple task and will take time as new material must be durable, light weight and enhance the building experience. Several prototypes made from a range of different sustainable materials have so far been tested with hundreds of parents and children. Children liked the paper bags being trialled in 2021 as they were environmentally friendly and easy to open.
Long-term investment in building a sustainable future
In addition to developing and implementing sustainable materials, the up to US$400million investment will also focus on a range of social and environmentally focussed actions to inspire children through learning through play, making the business more circular, and achieving carbon neutral operations. The activity will drive meaningful, long-term change aligned to two United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: #4 Quality Education and #12 Responsible Consumption and Production:
Children
Circularity
The LEGO System in Play inspires endless play possibilities that supports the principles of circular design – a product made of quality materials that can be used and reused. The quality, durability, safety and consistency of LEGO bricks mean they can be passed from generation to generation. Bricks made today, fit those made more than 40 years ago.
Programmes will be put in place to encourage people to donate their pre-loved bricks to children in need of play. LEGO Replay, which was successfully trialled in the United States in 2019, will be rolled out in two additional countries by the end of 2022. So far, LEGO Replay has donated bricks to over 23,000 children across the United States[1].
Sustainable Materials
Work will continue on the company’s Sustainable Materials Programme, which employs more than 150 experts, to create sustainable products and packaging. In 2015, the Group set a target to make its products from sustainable materials by 2030. It will expand its use of bio-bricks, such as those made from sugar cane, which currently account for almost 2% of its element portfolio.
It will continue research into new, more sustainable plastics from renewable and recycled sources, and join forces with research institutes and other companies especially those developing new recycling and bio-based material production technologies to find materials which are as durable and high quality as those used today[2].
The planned investments include both costs associated with the development of new sustainable materials and the investments in manufacturing equipment.
Zero Waste & Carbon Neutral Operations
The Group’s manufacturing operations will be carbon neutral by 2022. To achieve this, additional solar panels will be installed on all its factories and onsite capacity will be supplemented with the procurement of renewable energy. Further investments will be made to improve energy usage, for example by installing new systems that use ambient air in cooling processes during LEGO brick production.
Improved waste handling and reduction in water consumption will further reduce the Group’s operational impact on the environment. No waste will be diverted to landfill by 2025 and water use will drop by 10% by 2022[3].
Joining forces to have a positive impact
The LEGO Group will continue to work with organisations such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, World Wild Fund for Nature, RE100, UNICEF and Save the Children in order to create the greatest impact.
Christiansen said: “At a time when the world is facing numerous challenges, companies must take action to create a lasting positive impact on the environment and society. No one can do it alone. I urge companies, governments, parents, children and NGOs to continue to join forces to create a sustainable future for our children, the builders of tomorrow.”
Speaking about the letters the company receives about sustainability from children, Vice President, Environmental Sustainability, Tim Brooks said: “Children share the most fantastic and creative ideas about how we can be more environmentally friendly when they contact us. We respond to every letter and many are shared with the CEO and Environmental Responsibility team for further consideration. I love hearing from children. It’s the best part of my job!”
If you know a child that has an idea to
help shape the LEGO Group’s sustainability ambitions, visit LEGO.com/service to share it with Tim
and the team.
[1] Since October 2019
[2] Partners include University of Budapest, University of Amsterdam, Aarhus University and consortia including Bio-speed (consortium consisting of Danone, L’Oréal, Michelin, Bic and Faurecia as well as the LEGO Group)
[3] Tracked against 2019 usage
