THE Lego Group has announced plans to invest up to $400 million over three years to accelerate sustainability and social responsibilities across the brand.
As a first step in the plans, the firm said it will begin to phase out single-use plastic bags used in Lego boxes to package loose bricks. From 2021, Forest Stewardship Council certified recyclable paper bags will be trialled in boxes. The move comes as part of its ambition to make all its packaging sustainable by the end of 2025.
The Lego Group CEO, Niels B Christiansen said, “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 who 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.
“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.”
The firm added that moving away from the existing packaging is not a simple task and will take time, with new materials having to be durable, light weight and also be an enhancement to the building experience. Lego revealed that several prototypes made from a range of different sustainable materials have been tested with hundreds of parents and children – with the latter approving of the paper bags, due to them being easy to open.
