Sofia Martinez
LEGO has been working towards sustainable packaging and is introducing recyclable packaging across all areas of its business. The company is switching from single-use plastic to paper-based bags and has been phasing out single-use plastic retail bags in its stores globally since 2020. While LEGO boxes may still contain plastic bags made from polypropylene or low-density polyethylene, the company is gradually replacing them with bags made from over 95% paper. These new paper bags have been verified as recyclable in the European Union, the United States, and Canada, although the rules for recycling vary between locations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclable packaging | 93% of packaging by weight is made from paper, cardboard, and other paper-based materials |
| Single-use plastic | Being phased out and replaced with paper-based bags |
| Paper-based bags | Made from Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper and FSC-controlled wood |
| Recyclability | Technically recyclable in the EU, US, and Canada |
| Plastic bags inside boxes | Contain a thin plastic coating to seal the bags and protect the product |
| Plastic bag recycling | Not recyclable, but can be reused or donated |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Plastic bags inside Lego boxes are not recyclable
Lego is committed to introducing recyclable packaging across all areas of its business. At present, 93% of its packaging by weight is made from paper, cardboard, and other paper-based materials. The company aims to replace single-use plastic bags with paper-based bags in all its Lego sets. Lego tested around 180 different paper types and formats to find the right solution that would not compromise the high standards Lego fans expect. The new paper-based bags are designed to withstand the manufacturing process and not tear or damage during transportation.
While Lego is making progress in its transition to recyclable packaging, it is important to note that the current plastic bags inside Lego boxes are not recyclable. These bags are typically made from polypropylene (PP) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE). They often feature a thin plastic coating on the inside, which enables sealing and ensures that the bags are fit for holding Lego bricks.
As Lego continues its transition to paper-based bags, it encourages consumers to check with their local authorities for guidance on how to correctly dispose of its packaging. The rules for recycling can vary between locations, so it is essential to refer to local guidelines. Lego is committed to promoting recycling and providing clear instructions on how to responsibly dispose of its products and packaging.
How to Recycle Plastic Bags: Dirty or Clean?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Lego is switching to paper-based bags
In 2025, Lego announced its commitment to making all packaging more sustainable by 2025. The company is currently working towards replacing single-use plastic pre-pack bags in Lego boxes with paper-based bags. This transition is already underway in factories in Europe and Asia, with the Americas to follow in 2024. The new paper-based bags are made from Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood and paper.
The decision to switch to paper-based bags is part of Lego's journey towards sustainability and reducing its environmental impact. The company has also replaced plastic cups with flat-pack paper-based containers and switched from single-use plastic to recyclable cardboard boxes for its Lego Minifigures collectibles. The new boxes are more space-efficient, easier to store and ship, and will help Lego save approximately 30 tons of single-use plastic annually.
Lego has also considered the user experience when making the switch. Paper-based bags create a sense of suspense for children as they can't see the contents, enhancing the fun of unpacking. The larger paper bags can stand on their own, making them useful for storing loose bricks during the building process.
However, the transition has not been without its challenges. Lego tested around 180 different paper types and formats to ensure the bags met their quality standards and could withstand the manufacturing process without tearing or damaging during transportation. Additionally, paper is more sensitive to changes in humidity, so Lego had to find a material that could be used in factories with varying climates.
While Lego's new paper-based bags are widely recyclable in countries with paper-recycling infrastructure, some users have reported that their local recycling companies cannot recycle the bags due to the thin plastic coating inside the bags, which is necessary to protect the Lego elements and enable sealing. Lego encourages consumers to check with their local authorities for guidance on correctly disposing of the paper-based bags.
Chicken in Plastic: Safe Cooking Method?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Paper bags are more enjoyable to unwrap
Lego is transitioning from single-use plastic to paper-based bags. While the company has been testing various shapes, materials, and designs, it has found that paper bags are more enjoyable to unwrap. Although clear, single-use plastic bags allow Lego builders to see the contents, Lego discovered that children preferred the suspense of opening paper-based bags. The larger paper bags can stand upright, making them useful for storing loose bricks during the building process.
Paper bags are generally considered more environmentally friendly than plastic bags. They are biodegradable and easy to recycle or compost. However, producing paper bags in large quantities requires a lot of water, fuel, and trees. They also tend to require more energy to produce than plastic bags. For example, a 2011 study by Britain's Environment Agency found that a paper bag must be reused at least three times to have the same global warming impact as a plastic bag used once. Similarly, a 2018 study by Denmark's Environmental Protection Agency found that plastic bags made from low-density polyethylene had a smaller environmental footprint than paper bags.
On the other hand, plastic bags are made from fossil fuels and are a major source of pollution. They have a negative reputation, with Americans using hundreds of billions of plastic bags each year, leading to environmental concerns. Plastic bags can escape into the environment, breaking down into microplastics that can last for centuries. Additionally, the use of plastic bags perpetuates the fossil fuel industry.
While Lego's transition to paper-based bags is a step towards sustainability, it is important to consider the broader implications of paper bag production and use. The company has tested various paper types and formats to ensure the bags meet their high standards, withstand the manufacturing process, and are suitable for different climates. Lego's paper-based bags have a thin plastic coating on the inside to seal the packaging and protect the product. These bags have been verified as recyclable in the European Union, the United States, and Canada.
Plastic Bags: Living Without Them, Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic bags can be recycled at local grocery stores
When recycling plastic bags, it is important to keep them separate from other recyclables and not put them in your home recycling bin. Ensure that the plastic bags are clean and dry before dropping them off at the designated recycling bins, which are often found outside or inside many large retailers. These retailers collect plastic film packaging from consumers and back-haul it to multiple businesses for recycling into new products.
LEGO, for instance, is transitioning from single-use plastic to paper-based bags. They are introducing recyclable packaging across their business, aiming for responsibly sourced materials that are renewable or made from recycled content. While some LEGO packaging still contains single-use plastic, they encourage consumers to recycle and provide guidance on responsible disposal, acknowledging that rules for recycling vary between locations.
To promote effective recycling, it is essential to separate different types of plastics and follow the guidelines provided by local authorities or recycling centres. By recycling plastic bags at local grocery stores or designated facilities, we can contribute to reducing waste and promoting the reuse of plastic materials.
Iodine Penetration: Plastic Bags' Permeability
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Lego pieces cannot be recycled but can be reused
While Lego is making a transition to recyclable packaging, the plastic bags that come with Lego sets are not recyclable. However, Lego pieces cannot be recycled but can be reused. Lego pieces can be passed down to the next generation, donated, or used to create artwork. Brick Recycler, for instance, accepts new and used loose Lego bricks, figures, and sets. They can be shipped via UPS Ground or FedEx Ground without the need for sorting, cleaning, building, or disassembling.
Lego is committed to introducing recyclable packaging across all areas of its business, from core products to licensed products made by partners. The company aims to replace single-use plastic with paper-based bags in all its sets, and 93% of its packaging by weight is already made from paper, cardboard, and other paper-based materials. Lego has tested around 180 different paper types and formats to ensure the bags are durable and meet the high standards expected by Lego fans. The larger paper-based bags can stand, making them ideal for storing loose bricks during the building process.
Lego's packaging is designed to provide the best experience when unpacking sets, with features like providing information and protecting the set inside. The company is also using paper-based packaging for its baseplates, which were previously wrapped in single-use plastic. Lego's boxes are made of cardboard from responsibly sourced materials certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. They can be recycled where the infrastructure for paper and cardboard recycling exists.
Lego's new paper-based bags are made with paper from Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests and have been verified as technically recyclable in the European Union, the United States, and Canada. However, it is important to check with local authorities for guidance on correctly disposing of these bags, as recycling rules vary between locations.
Mixing Epoxy: Plastic Bag Liner Safety
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Lego is in the process of switching from single-use plastic bags to paper-based bags. These new bags are made from Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper and have been verified as recyclable in the European Union, the United States, and Canada.
The plastic bags that Lego used in the past are not recyclable. However, there are alternative ways to dispose of them responsibly, such as by donating them to organisations like Brick Recycler.
The rules for recycling vary depending on your location. Lego encourages consumers to check with their local authorities on how to correctly dispose of their recyclable packaging.
The switch to paper bags is part of Lego's initiative to introduce recyclable packaging across all areas of its business. The new bags are made from responsibly sourced materials and are designed to be more enjoyable to unwrap, providing a better play experience for children.
