LEGO to invest up to $400m over three years to accelerate sustainability efforts

The LEGO Group will be investing up to $400m over three years to accelerate sustainability and social responsibility initiatives.

In addition to developing and implementing sustainable materials, the investment will focus on a range of social and environmentally focused actions to inspire children through learning through play, making the business more circular, and achieving carbon neutral operations.

“We cannot lose sight of the fundamental challenges facing future generations,” said The LEGO Group CEO, Niels B Christiansen.

“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.”

LEGO will begin to phase out single-use plastic bags used in LEGO boxes to package loose bricks and from 2021, Forest Stewardship Council-certified recyclable paper bags will be trialled in boxes. This is part of its ambition to make all its packaging sustainable by the end of 2025.

“We have received many letters from children about the environment asking us to remove single-use plastic packaging,” added Christiansen.

“We have been exploring alternatives for some time and the passion and ideas from children inspired us to begin to make the change.”

Programmes will also be put in place to encourage people to donate used bricks to children in need of play. LEGO Replay, which was successfully trialled in the United States in 2019, will be rolled out in two additional countries by the end of 2022. So far, LEGO Replay has donated bricks to over 23,000 children across the United States.

To achieve the goal of LEGO’s manufacturing operations being carbon neutral by 2022, additional solar panels will be installed on all its factories and onsite capacity will be supplemented with the procurement of renewable energy.

Further investments will also be made to improve energy usage, for example by installing new systems that use ambient air in cooling processes during LEGO brick production.

“At a time when the world is facing numerous challenges, companies must take action to create a lasting positive impact on the environment and society,” said Christiansen.

“No one can do it alone. I urge companies, governments, parents, children and NGOs to continue to join forces to create a sustainable future for our children, the builders of tomorrow.”

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