LEGO is Launching a Range of Sugar Cane-Based Building Blocks
Laura McQuarrie — March 3, 2018 — Eco
References: dezeen
In an attempt to reduce plastic waste, LEGO is launching a toy bricks made with plant-based plastic, derived from responsibly sourced sugar cane.
The botanically themed collection of toys will introduce leaves, bushes and tree-shaped playthings made of flexible polyethylene plastic. As Tim Brooks, LEGO's vice president of environmental responsibility notes: "Children and parents will not notice any difference in the quality or appearance of the new elements because plant-based polyethylene has the same properties as conventional polyethylene."
While this range offers a small step towards greater sustainability, LEGO hopes to ultimately make all of its toy bricks using the bioplastic as of the year 2030. Some of the other initiatives that have been taken on by the company include investing in wind power to offset the energy used in the making of its bricks, as well as using sustainable paper pulp trays in its seasonal advent calendar.
The botanically themed collection of toys will introduce leaves, bushes and tree-shaped playthings made of flexible polyethylene plastic. As Tim Brooks, LEGO's vice president of environmental responsibility notes: "Children and parents will not notice any difference in the quality or appearance of the new elements because plant-based polyethylene has the same properties as conventional polyethylene."
While this range offers a small step towards greater sustainability, LEGO hopes to ultimately make all of its toy bricks using the bioplastic as of the year 2030. Some of the other initiatives that have been taken on by the company include investing in wind power to offset the energy used in the making of its bricks, as well as using sustainable paper pulp trays in its seasonal advent calendar.
Trend Themes
1. Plant-based Plastic - Opportunity for companies to develop and promote products made from renewable and sustainable materials.
2. Sustainable Toys - Disruptive innovation opportunity for toy manufacturers to create eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastic toys.
3. Environmental Responsibility - Growing trend of companies taking proactive measures to reduce plastic waste and improve sustainability practices.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - Toy industry can explore the use of bioplastics and other sustainable materials in toy production.
2. Material Science - Industry focused on the development of eco-friendly and renewable materials for various applications.
3. Environmental Services - Companies providing environmental consulting, waste management, and sustainability solutions have increased demand due to growing focus on environmental responsibility.
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