More sustainable packaging
We’re introducing recyclable packaging across all areas of our business, from our core products to licensed products made by our partners. At present, 93% of our packaging by weight is made from paper, cardboard and other paper-based materials. We are replacing single-use plastic with paper-based bags in all our LEGO® sets, and we are working hard to make this transition across all our factories.
Solving the challenge
Packing LEGO bricks into paper-based bags might sound simple but the reality is more complex. We tested around 70 different paper types and formats to find the right solution. We had to find a bag that would not compromise the high standards LEGO fans expect from us. It had to withstand the manufacturing process and not tear or damage on the way from the LEGO factory to LEGO builders. Paper is more sensitive than plastic to changes in humidity, so it was important to find a material that can be made and used in all our factories, whether in a hot, humid climate or a colder one.
Take a look inside our factories, where packaging lines are ramping up production of the paper-based bags. It’s part of our commitment to move away from single-use plastic packaging. It’s been a true team effort, with over 350 LEGO colleagues solving this important challenge.
Playful unpacking experience
We tested around 15 different prototypes with hundreds of kids and parents, trying various shapes, materials and graphic designs. Paper has the unintended benefit of being more enjoyable to unwrap, because while clear, single-use plastic bags allow builders to see the contents, we discovered in testing that kids enjoyed the suspense of opening the paper-based bags! Our larger paper-based bags come in a shape that enables them to stand, which is particularly useful for storing loose bricks during the building process.
Responsibly sourced materials
Our packaging is designed to provide the best experience when unpacking LEGO sets; for example by providing information and protecting the LEGO set inside, so no bricks go missing.
It’s our aim that all our packaging will be made from responsibly sourced materials that are either renewable or made from recycled content and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C117818). And naturally, our packaging promotes recycling and provides guidance on how to do it.
Improvements in our packaging
LEGO® boxes
Made from responsibly sourced materials.
Paper-based bags in LEGO boxes
We are in the process of switching from single-use plastic to paper-based bags.
LEGO baseplate packaging
We are using paper-based packaging for our LEGO baseplates, which used to be wrapped in single-use plastic.
Improvements in our retail packaging
Shopping bags
We began phasing out single-use plastic retail bags in our LEGO Stores globally in 2020.
LEGO Pick a Brick
We replaced plastic cups with flat-pack paper-based containers.
LEGO Build a Minifigure
We switched from single-use plastic to recyclable cardboard boxes.
