LEGO Trials a Sustainable New Brick Made From Recycled Plastic Bottles
A further step in the fight against plastic waste.
The LEGO Group is expanding its sustainability efforts with a prototype brick created entirely from recycled plastic. Unveiled via a press release earlier this week, the new design uses PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic taken from plastic bottle waste, and is the toy maker’s latest breakthrough in its commitment to producing more sustainable products.
For three years now, scientists and engineers have tested more than 250 PET variations, as well as hundreds of other formulas, to ensure that the product meets safety and quality regulations. Even though LEGO now has a reliable prototype, there is still at least one more year of testing and development required before possibly proceeding with production.
“We are super excited about this breakthrough,” said Tim Brooks, Vice President of Environmental Responsibility at the LEGO group. “The biggest challenge on our sustainability journey is rethinking and innovating new materials that are as durable, strong and high quality as our existing bricks — and fit with LEGO elements made over the past 60 years. With this prototype we’re able to showcase the progress we’re making.”
Elsewhere in the world of toys and games, Japan is set to open an arcade game-themed museum.
