For decades, LEGO bricks have been passed down from generation to generation, proving that “built to last” is part of their DNA, but in 2026, the iconic Danish brand is proving that being durable isn’t enough – they want to be sustainable too.
From plant-based pieces to carbon-cutting factories, here is how the LEGO Group is rebuilding its world, brick by brick.
Reaching the “Halfway” Milestone
As a 2026, the LEGO Group has officially crossed a major threshold: more than 50% of the raw materials used to create their bricks are now sourced by renewable or recycled content.
This is a massive jump from just a few years ago. By using a “mass balance” approach, they are successfully mixing traditional materials with sustainable alternatives like used cooking oil and plant-based oils. The best part? The bricks still have that same satisfying “clutch power” we all know and love.
From Sugarcane to Space Shuttles
You might have noticed that some LEGO elements feel a little softer. Since 2018, the company has been producing “bio-polyethylene” (bio-PW) made from sustainably sourced Brazilian Sugarcane.
What it makes: Leaves, trees, bushes, and even some minifigure accessories.
The Impact: Over 200 different botanical elements are now “plants made from plants”
Kitchen Countertops in Your Windows?
In a clever bit of circular engineering, LEGO has begun using recycled artificial marble (often salvaged from kitchen worktop offcuts) to create transparent elements. This material is now found in over 900 different elements, including:
- Star Wars Lightsabers
- Spaceship windscreens
- House Windows
The “LEGO Replay” Movement
Sustainability isn’t just about how a brick is made; its about where it goes when you’re finished with it. While LEGO bricks are designed to last for 50+ year, the LEGO Replay program encourages fans to donate their used bricks. These are then cleaned, sorted and given to children’s charities to ensure the play continues without hitting a landfill.
Saying Goodbye to Single-Use Plastic
If you’ve opened a new set lately, you’ve likely noticed the shift. LEGO is currently phasing out those familiar clear plastic bags inside the boxes, replacing them with forest-certified (FSC) paper bags. Thia move alone is set to remove thousands of tonnes of single-use plastic from their supply chain every year.
The Road to 2032
The LEGO Group has set a bold target: to make all products from sustainable materials by 2032. They are also investing heavily in carbon removal technology and renewable energy for their factories (including a massive new carbon-neutral plant in Vietnam). For Kiwi fans, this means that everytime you build, you’re supporting a company that is serious about leaving a healthy planet for the master builders of tomorrow.
Do you have a tub of old LEGO bricks at home? Whether you’re passing them down to the next generation or looking into recycling programs, you’re part of the circular journey that keeps these bricks in play and out of the environment!
“Don’t waste your options – Make them count”