Lego to replace fossil fuels with renewable plastics by 2032

Toymaker Lego announced on Wednesday that it is on track to replace fossil fuels with renewable and recycled plastics in its signature bricks by 2032.

The company has signed long-term supply deals to secure the necessary materials and plans to increase its use of certified renewable resin, even though it will pay up to 70 per cent more for these sustainable options.

Lego CEO Niels Christiansen stated that the shift would significantly raise production costs but is crucial for sustainability. By 2026, Lego aims to source more than half of its resin using the mass balance method, a significant increase from 30 per cent in the first half of 2024.

The move comes amid a glut of cheap virgin plastic driven by petrochemical investments, with plastics expected to fuel future oil demand. Lego’s suppliers are turning to bio-waste and recycled materials to replace fossil fuels in plastic production.

Christiansen noted growing investment in sustainable plastic solutions and emphasised Lego’s commitment to not passing these higher costs on to customers.

Rivals like Hasbro and Mattel are also exploring sustainable materials, with Mattel targeting 100 per cent recycled, recyclable, or biobased plastics by 2030.