HOW LEGO IS WORKING TOWARDS A BETTER ENVIRONMENT

Caring for the world we live in has become more important than ever in recent years. The next generation is aware of the impact we have on the environment and just as the LEGO Group encourages creativity through play, it is also doing its part to build a better future. The LEGO Group has a number of plans and changes to work towards a more sustainable business. The LEGO Group recently unveiled prototype bricks made with plastic sourced from recycled bottles. While it will be a while before they appear in LEGO sets, sustainably sourced bricks are already in many sets. A few years ago, the first elements made from plastic from sugar cane were introduced in sets. Now many of the plant elements such as leaves, flowers and trees are made by this plant-based plastic.

In addition to the elements found in LEGO sets, the bags they are currently packaged in also generate a large amount of plastic waste. These will slowly disappear in favor of more easily recyclable paper bags. These should be released in sets towards the end of the year or early 2022. Boxed packaging has already begun to evolve with instruction booklets and stickers now housed in recycled card envelopes instead of plastic.

LEGO stores are sticking with paper bags and have switched from plastic carrier bags to paper carrier bags in stores around the world. These have helped to reduce a huge amount of plastic and introduce a cool new way to keep your new LEGO goodies safe.

The new LEGO HQ building is packed with eco-friendly features. Including solar panels on the roof of the parking garage and Sedum plants on the roof of the main building to absorb water and CO2. With the water used to irrigate the surrounding wild meadows and parks built into the surrounding land.



From a playset perspective, we've seen the Vestas wind turbine set re-released with the addition of a few plant-based elements and LEGO City's energy supplier Octan branching out to provide greener fuel and even electric cars. Other LEGO City residents have also put the spotlight on the environment with sub-themes focusing on marine life and wildlife.