Facing growing competition and increasing environmental pressure, LEGO continues to reinvent itself. After numerous high-profile collaborations with blockbuster films and global franchises, the Danish brand is now making a major strategic shift this time in the very material used to produce its iconic bricks.
LEGO has announced its ambition to gradually transition from traditional ABS plastic to a more sustainable alternative: certified renewable resin made from bio-waste.
From ABS plastic to renewable resin
When LEGO was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen, its first bricks were made of wood. Today, most LEGO elements are produced using ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), a durable plastic introduced in 1963.
According to LEGO:
“This plastic provides optimal clutch power, a glossy finish, and color consistency that define the quality of our bricks. It meets strict safety, durability, and quality standards.”
ABS is known for being impact-resistant and non-toxic under normal conditions. However, concerns exist regarding the environmental footprint of petroleum-based plastics and potential risks during high-temperature processing.
To address these concerns, LEGO is now investing in renewable resin derived from certified bio-waste. Bio-waste includes biodegradable, non-hazardous materials such as food scraps, garden waste, and similar organic residues from households and food-processing facilities.
A more expensive but greener alternative
Transitioning from ABS to renewable resin is not without challenges. According to internal estimates, production costs could increase by as much as 70% compared to traditional methods.
Despite this significant cost difference, LEGO has stated that it intends to absorb the additional expense rather than pass it on to consumers, at least for now. The company’s strong financial performance and continued global growth provide room to invest in long-term sustainability without immediately raising retail prices.
A long-term sustainability strategy
This move aligns with LEGO’s broader environmental goals. The company has pledged to use sustainable materials in all its products and packaging by 2030.
In fact, LEGO began experimenting with plant-based plastics as early as 2018, introducing elements such as trees, leaves, and bushes made from sustainably sourced sugarcane-based plastic.
The company emphasizes that safety remains a top priority:
“We are committed to ensuring that children can play safely with our products. All LEGO sets undergo rigorous laboratory testing and comply with safety standards in the 140 countries where they are sold.”
Toward industry-wide change?
LEGO’s transition could serve as a model for the broader toy industry. If more manufacturers adopt renewable materials at scale, economies of scale could reduce production costs over time, making eco-friendly toys more affordable and accessible.
Currently, toys made from renewable materials are often perceived as premium products due to higher production costs. However, if sustainable manufacturing becomes standard practice, the industry could experience both cost reductions and a significant environmental impact.
By investing in renewable resin, LEGO is not only rethinking its bricks it is helping reshape the future of toy manufacturing.
In doing so, the company demonstrates that innovation is no longer limited to design and storytelling. It now extends to materials, responsibility, and the long-term sustainability of play itself.
