Lego's Sustainable Shift: From Fossil Fuels to Renewable Plastics by 2032

Lego aims to replace its fossil fuel-based bricks with renewable and recycled plastic by 2032. The company has tested hundreds of materials and is paying more for certified renewable resin. By 2026, over half of Lego's resin will be sustainably sourced, encouraging manufacturers to increase production.

Lego announced it is on track to replace the fossil fuels used in its signature bricks with more costly renewable and recycled plastic by 2032, following long-term supply deals with producers.

The toymaker, which annually sells billions of plastic bricks, has tested over 600 materials to find a sustainable replacement for its oil-based bricks by 2030, with limited success. Lego now aims to reduce oil content in its bricks by paying up to 70% more for certified renewable resin, encouraging manufacturers to boost production.

CEO Niels Christiansen told Reuters this would significantly increase production costs, but the family-owned company, committed to sustainability, can afford it without raising consumer prices. Amid an oversupply of cheap virgin plastic, suppliers are using bio-waste and recycled materials to replace fossil fuels in plastic production. Rival toymakers Hasbro and Mattel are also pursuing sustainability initiatives.

(With inputs from agencies.)