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LEGO, a cornerstone of the toy industry for decades, is now focusing on reducing its environmental footprint. According to The Guardian, the company has announced an ambitious target to obtain 50% of its plastic from renewable and recycled sources by 2026.
Currently, the majority of LEGO bricks are produced using inexpensive petroleum-based plastics. Environmentally friendly certified renewable resin, which is more costly to manufacture, can be up to 70% more expensive. This sustainable alternative is derived from eco-friendly sources or recycled materials such as used cooking oil.
LEGO employs mass balance, a method for tracking supply chain materials, to monitor the proportion of renewable resources used in production [PDF]. A company report highlights, “This approach aims to drive the industry toward more sustainable, high-quality materials.” In early 2024, 30% of the resin LEGO purchased was certified mass balance, meaning 22% of the raw materials for its toys were renewable or recycled on average. This marks progress from 2023, when the annual average was 12%.
Some environmental experts have raised concerns about this approach. Even if 20% of the materials in LEGO’s production are renewable, it doesn’t guarantee that 20% of the plastic in every LEGO set is sustainable. However, under ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) standards, such products can still be marketed as renewable, potentially misleading consumers.
Mass balance is only one part of LEGO’s broader sustainability strategy. To cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, the company is rolling out a program that will push its suppliers to establish emission reduction targets in the coming years. The plan includes specific benchmarks for employees to ensure the company meets its carbon reduction objectives.
LEGO has a history of addressing environmental issues. In 2021, the company tested eco-friendly bricks crafted from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.
