LEGO Is Replacing Its Fossil Fuel Plastic Bricks With A Food-Based Alternative

Photo 118684067 © Ekaterina79 | Dreamstime.com

LEGO isn’t toying around with its plans to build a greener future. The Danish company, known for its colorful plastic bricks that have delighted generations of children and stubbed countless parental toes, intends to swap out oil-based plastics for renewable and recycled materials by 2032.

After putting over 600 alternative materials through their paces, LEGO has settled on a certified renewable resin derived from bio-waste such as cooking oil and food industry waste fats. This eco-friendly shift, however, comes with a hefty price tag—up to 70% more than traditional oil-based plastics. Luckily, it isn’t passing the buck to consumers.

Speaking to Reuters, CEO Niels Christiansen acknowledges the steep increase in cost involved in this decision, but notes that the toymaker is in a unique position to absorb the added financial weight of the new raw materials “without having to charge customers extra.”

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On a broader scale, LEGO has dedicated US$1.4 billion over four years to transitioning to more sustainable materials and slashing its carbon emissions by 37% by 2032. Recognizing the need for change in an industry traditionally reliant on fossil fuel-based products, the company has been exploring ways to reduce its environmental impact.

LEGO also hopes its shift to certified renewable resin will encourage manufacturers to make the switch and ultimately drive down material costs in the long run.

[via USA Today, Reuters, Brick Fanatics, images via Dreamstime.com]