We've all been taught that plastic = bad. And it's certainly true that reducing our reliance on plastic and our consumption of single-use plastics would result in lower greenhouse gas emissions, overall pollution, and the ever-growing Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
But LEGO Group is out to prove that a company that produces plastic toys can actually do good for the world. Through a series of innovative policies, partnerships, and operational changes, LEGO is looking to change the narrative brick by brick.
In an effort to reduce GHG emissions by 37% by 2032 (compared to 2019 levels), LEGO has set annual emissions targets. To ensure company-wide participation, they've tied all salaried employees' bonuses to achieving those targets. This level of accountability demonstrates the kind of corporate commitment that sustainability-conscious job seekers increasingly look for.
But this is only the latest effort LEGO has made. In 2014, they became a part of the Climate Savers program and, in 2016, joined the Bioplastic Feedstock Alliance (both initiatives under the World Wildlife Fund). The former seeks to inspire companies to rethink climate solutions, while the latter guides the selection of bio-based sources to promote the development of responsibly sourced bioplastics—a sustainable choice for the future. Currently, LEGO is creating elements, including trees, leaves, and bushes, from a plastic produced using sustainably sourced sugarcane.
Beyond bioplastics, LEGO has also invested in sustainable packaging, working to eliminate single-use plastics from its boxes. Additionally, the company is making strides in renewable energy investments, including offshore wind farms, to offset its production impact.
LEGO is proof that we can pivot away from petroleum-based plastics without giving up our favorite toys.