As well as releasing their annual results, the LEGO Group has also released a Sustainability Report, which offers some interesting snippets of information and changes to LEGO® products and packaging. It’s already been reported that the plastic bags used in LEGO sets will be replaced with paper ones. I took a look at some of them found in the 2021 LEGO Employee set. After a successful trial, the paper bags will be introduced into retail sets later this year, with a full change over, expected to be complete within the next 2 years.
For those who purchase their LEGO sets online, you may have already received deliveries in the improved and fully recyclable packaging, which includes replacing the air-filled plastic bags replaced with paper and the plastic strapping switched with paper tape. This will be rolled out to further countries across 2022.
The LEGO Group will work with licensing partners to implement changes to LEGO branded products. Products will transition packaging in the Licensing and Extended lines to increase the use of paper-based solutions.
LEGO Replay was launched in North America a couple of years ago and gave people the chance to return their old LEGO elements to be donated for use elsewhere. LEGO Replay will be rolled out into further countries this year
One of the biggest and possibly most controversial snippets of information in the report concerns LEGO Stores. Currently, LEGO Stores use plastic cups for their Pick-a-brick walls and plastic shell cases for Build A Minifigure packs. It seems the current packaging will be switched out for paper-based alternatives. Testing has already been carried out using carded boxes. This is a big change to a fan-favourite in-store experience.
There are plenty of other changes and improvements being made across the LEGO Group. With investment in renewable energy, cutting down on waste and offering a responsibility to future generations, through education and play.