How can toy giants make the environmental transition?
Introducing paper bags into the packaging of LEGO toys may seem like a no-brainer, but the global toy giant has revealed the complexities involved in approaching this goal.LEGO has tested more than 180 different papers to date, and now the shift is in full swing at LEGO factories around the world.Annette Stube, LEGO's Chief Strategy Officer, said, "I'm delighted to share the latest developments in the use of paper bags for LEGO sets.While there is still a long way to go to eliminate disposable packaging, our resourceful and creative teams are working tirelessly across the globe to make this important shift."
How is the paper project going?
On LinkedIn, LEGO has shared their "out-of-the-box, out-of-the-box thinking" innovations.Most notably, we are gradually replacing the packaging of LEGO sets with paper bags.This is an important step in our commitment to reduce single-use plastics in packaging.
It's not an easy transition, but it's a significant one. We have tested more than 180 different types of paper to find the ideal material that is both strong and recyclable.All LEGO factories around the world are now producing sets in paper bags, with many sets in Europe and Asia already pioneering the new eco-friendly packaging, and the Americas on the verge of a full roll-out.
The new bags are not only strong and durable, but also have a collapsible feature that keeps them intact during transport. In addition, we have certified the new packaging materials as recyclable in the EU, US and Canada.Finding the right paper packaging for LEGOs is more complicated than it seems.As LEGO puts it, "Putting LEGOs in a paper bag sounds simple, but in practice it's a lot more difficult."To find the ideal paper bag that would meet the high standards of LEGO fans, but also stand up to the rigours of production and shipping, we tested around 180 different papers.The paper bag had to be tough enough to survive the journey from the LEGO factory to the child's hands intact.
Paper is more sensitive to ambient humidity than plastic, so finding a paper material that adapts to a variety of climates is crucial.Whether in hot and humid or cold and dry environments, this paper bag must remain stable.To achieve this, 15 different prototypes were created and hundreds of children and parents were invited to take part in tests, where a variety of shapes, materials and patterns were thoroughly evaluated.
Switching to paper bags is not only environmentally friendly, but also more fun for kids.LEGO has found that although transparent plastic bags allow children to see the blocks inside in advance, paper bags bring a sense of surprise that children love even more.This "unwrapping a present" kind of experience fills children with anticipation and excitement the moment they open the paper bag.
Built on sustainability
The LEGO website explains in detail: "We are promoting recyclable packaging in all areas, from core LEGO products to co-produced licensed products.Currently, 93 per cent (by weight) of LEGO's packaging materials are paper, cardboard or other paper-based materials.To further reduce the use of single-use plastics, we are promoting paper bag packaging in all LEGO sets and working to fully realise this shift in LEGO factories around the world."
The LEGO Group also shared other benefits of the new paper bags on its official website, "In addition to being environmentally friendly, the paper bags bring unexpected fun to children.While the transparent plastic bag allows children to see the blocks inside in advance, the surprise that the paper bag brings is much more popular with children.This 'unwrapping a present' experience fills children with anticipation and excitement the moment they open the paper bag.In addition, we have also designed the paper bag that can be stood up, which is convenient for children to store the scattered blocks during the building process."
The company said that their packaging is not only to protect the product, but also to convey a message to consumers.They promise that all packaging will be made from environmentally friendly materials that are either from renewable sources or made from recycled materials and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.This ensures product safety and reduces the impact on the environment.
Progress report
Paper bags are just one small step towards sustainability for the LEGO Group.In order to achieve greener goals, LEGO has taken a number of other steps: the LEGO boxes are made of more environmentally friendly materials; the packaging of LEGO baseboards has been changed from single-use plastic to paper; single-use plastic retail bags have been phased out in LEGO Stores around the world from 2020; the "LEGO Bricks of Choice" and the"LEGO Bricks of Choice" and "LEGO Minifigures" series have also changed their packaging from plastic containers to recyclable cardboard boxes.
The LEGO Group attaches great importance to sustainable development and has made investment in research into sustainable materials one of its strategic priorities.The company aims to reduce the carbon footprint of its products and packaging and is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.Over the next three years, the LEGO Group plans to triple its investment in this area to more than $1.4 billion.At the same time, the LEGO Group will work with the Science-based Carbon Target Initiative to set more stringent reduction targets covering direct emissions from its factories, offices and shops, as well as indirect emissions throughout its supply chain.It is worth noting that 98 per cent of the LEGO Group's carbon emissions come from its supply chain.The LEGO Group's new net-zero target is a further extension of its 2020 commitment, when it pledged to reduce its emissions by 37 per cent by 2032.