More sustainable packaging
We have an ambition to reduce single-use plastic across our packaging:
- 95% of LEGO® packaging by weight is made from paper, cardboard and other paper-based materials.
- 56% of our packing lines globally now use our new paper-based pre-packed bags.
- Roll-out largely complete in factories in China, Vietnam and Czechia with global transition expected to be completed in 2027
Packaging quality standards
We are reducing single-use plastic and introducing paper-based bags in all our LEGO® sets.
Packing LEGO bricks into paper-based bags might sound simple, but the reality is more complex. Every part of a LEGO product must meet our high-quality standards and sustainability goals.
We tested around 180 different paper types and formats to find the right solution. It had to withstand the manufacturing process and not tear or be damaged on the way from the LEGO factory to LEGO builders. Paper is also more sensitive than plastic to changes in humidity, so it was important to find a material that can be used in all our factories, including hot, humid or colder conditions.
Transition in progress
Paper-based bags are made of at least 95 percent paper and a thin plastic coating which enables sealing of the bags and ensures they can hold and transport LEGO bricks. The bags have been verified as technically recyclable in the European Union, U.S and Canada markets.
We are working hard to transition to paper-based bags across all our factories, but this will just be the end of phase one. VP, R&D packing and packaging, Jesper Toubøl explains:
“We are on an ongoing continuous improvement journey. Once the roll out of bags is complete, we’ll explore ways to enhance and continue to make the bags, and the building experience they offer children and families, even better.”
Responsibly sourced materials
All our packaging is made from responsibly sourced materials that are either renewable or recycled and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSCTM C117818), to support responsible forestry.
Recycling
We provide consumers with information on the materials used in LEGO® packaging, to support recycling and use local recycling labelling where possible. The rules for how to recycle vary between countries, regions and municipalities, so we encourage people to check with their local authorities on how to correctly dispose of their packaging.
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.
