On March 4, 3, the LEGO Group announced the introduction of tire pieces in its toys containing recycled materials, part of its strategy to increase the use of sustainable materials and reduce dependence on primary fossil fuels.
According to the LEGO Group, the new tires contain “rSEBS,” a material recycled from discarded ropes and fishing nets from ships, combined with recycled engine oil.
LEGO says tires made from at least 30% recycled material have already started appearing in some LEGO sets, with seven original tire types being replaced. The company plans to expand the use to around 120 different sets by the end of 2025, and is continuing to explore ways to expand the use of recycled materials to more types of tires in the future.
This initiative is part of LEGO's efforts to achieve its goal of using sustainable, recycled or renewable materials without generating significant waste by 2032.
One of the key focuses of LEGO’s sustainability strategy is investing in materials research to reduce the carbon footprint of its products and packaging. The company recently began producing paper bags to replace plastic bags in LEGO sets globally and has achieved an 83% increase in the renewable content of LEGO bricks in the first six months of 2024.
However, not all projects have met with the expected results. In 2023, LEGO announced that it was canceling plans to produce bricks from recycled plastic rPET due to the failure to reduce carbon emissions after two years of testing. To date, the company has tested more than 600 different materials to find the best solution for its products.
Annette Stube, Director of Sustainability at the LEGO Group, shares:
“This is an important step forward in our ambition to make LEGO products more sustainable and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Over the past five years, we have invested significantly in developing and testing this recycled material to ensure it meets our high standards of quality, safety and durability. Tyres are just one of the many options we are exploring for a more sustainable future.”
The LEGO Group continues to be committed to sustainability not only in its products but also throughout its entire supply and manufacturing chain, to reduce its environmental impact and create sustainable solutions for the future.