Lego plans to ditch oil in its bricks for pricier renewable plastic

Toymaker Lego announced its plans to replace the fossil fuels used in manufacturing its bricks with renewable and recycled plastic by 2032. The company has tested multiple materials but has encountered limited success in finding a suitable replacement for its oil-based bricks. To encourage manufacturers to increase production, Lego will pay up to 70% more for certified renewable resin, the raw plastic used for making the bricks. This move will result in a significant increase in production costs. Lego aims to ensure that over half of the resin it needs in 2026 is certified according to the mass balance method. The market for recycled or renewable plastic is still developing, but there has been a notable increase in interest and investment in sustainable options. Rival toymaker Hasbro has also incorporated plant-based or recycled materials into some toys, while Mattel plans to use only recycled, recyclable, or bio-based plastics in all its products by 2030.