Building a Better Tomorrow: How LEGO Is Going Green
LEGO has long been celebrated for sparking creativity and imagination across generations. But in recent years, the iconic brand has also taken on a new challenge, building a more sustainable future.
From introducing plant-based plastics to rethinking how sets are packaged, LEGO is actively working to reduce its environmental impact. Here’s everything you need to know about LEGO’s eco-initiatives, what sets reflect this mission, and how you can make greener choices as a builder.
Why Sustainability is Now a LEGO Priority
With more than 400 billion LEGO bricks produced since 1949, it’s clear the brand has made a global impact, not just in playrooms, but also in landfills.
While LEGO bricks are incredibly durable, that longevity also means they don’t easily break down. Recognising this, LEGO has committed to a bold goal:
Make all products and packaging sustainable by 2032
This means rethinking materials, changing how products are delivered, and reducing carbon emissions, all while maintaining the quality builders expect.
How LEGO is Becoming More Sustainable
Here are the main pillars of LEGO’s current sustainability strategy:
In 2018, LEGO introduced elements made from sugarcane-based polyethylene, a renewable alternative to oil-based plastic.
These bio-plastics are now used for:
-
Trees and leaves
-
Bushes and flower stems
-
Certain accessories like vines
They’re just as flexible and safe as traditional bricks but come from a more renewable source.
In 2021, LEGO revealed a prototype brick made from recycled PET plastic sourced from discarded water bottles.
While the prototype passed durability and safety tests, its manufacturing process consumed more energy than expected. LEGO has since shifted focus to using mass-balance certified recycled plastics in a more energy-efficient way.
This highlights the brand’s commitment to innovation, even when setbacks occur.
LEGO is phasing out single-use plastics from its packaging and replacing them with paper-based bags.
By 2025, the goal is to have:
-
All inner bags are made of recyclable paper
-
Boxes made from 90% recycled cardboard
-
Soy-based inks are used for printing
Many sets released since 2022 already come with these updates.
4. Sustainable Operations
LEGO is also improving how and where it makes its bricks.
It’s investing over $1.4 billion to build new eco-conscious factories like the upcoming facility in Vietnam. These factories are designed to be carbon-neutral and powered by 100% renewable energy.
Even LEGO’s Denmark headquarters runs on solar and wind power, and their manufacturing plants aim to recycle 100% of their waste by 2025.
Easy Ways to Build Greener at Home
Even if you don’t buy eco sets exclusively, there are simple ways to support LEGO’s green mission.
Reuse, Don’t Replace
LEGO bricks are made to last. Try:
-
Rebuilding old sets
-
Creating original builds from spare parts
-
Turning extra bricks into storage trays or decorations
Donate Bricks You Don’t Use
Instead of throwing out unused bricks:
-
Donate to schools, daycares, or toy libraries
-
Pass them on to family or friends
-
Organise a local LEGO swap event
Support Sets That Use Sustainable Packaging
Newer sets with paper pouches and recyclable boxes reduce your plastic footprint. You can also recycle the cardboard insert trays that come with large sets.
Why This Matters for the Future of Play
Sustainability isn’t just a corporate buzzword; it’s a global responsibility. LEGO is proving that even the most beloved plastic toy can evolve.
As of 2024, around 18% of LEGO’s materials are sustainable, and the company has committed to doubling that figure by 2026. Read more here.
By shopping mindfully and reusing what you already own, you can be part of this positive shift in the toy industry.
Ready to Build a Greener World?
As LEGO continues to move toward a more sustainable future, Hobbyco is proud to support that journey. Browse our LEGO collection to find environmentally inspired builds, and timeless classics that can be enjoyed for generations..
At Hobbyco, we’re proud to bring you the best of LEGO. With locations conveniently located throughout Metro Sydney, finding the perfect hobby shop near you has never been easier. Experience the excitement of exploring our vast selection of LEGO sets, expert advice, and exceptional customer service. Discover why Hobbyco is the number one hobby shop in Australia. Customers can buy products online through our platform.
