As part of a $400 million drive to achieve its sustainability goals, Lego Group today announced plans to swap its plastic inner bags for recyclable paper ones.
From 2021, the company will start using FSC-certified recyclable paper bags to package the loose bricks in its boxes, as part of its self-stated ambition to make all its packaging “sustainable by the end of 2025.”
The Lego Group’s CEO, Niels B Christiansen, says: “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.”
According to Lego, moving away from the existing packaging is not a simple task and will take time, as the new material must be durable, lightweight, and able to 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. Lego reports that the children liked the paper bags that are due to be trialled in 2021, as they were environmentally friendly and easy to open.
In addition to its pledges on materials, the group also plans to make its manufacturing operations 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.
Christiansen concludes: “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 that 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.”
