If you’re like us, opening a new LEGO® set is one of life’s little pleasures. But now you will have noticed something a little different inside the box: instead of the usual plastic bags holding loose bricks, you’re seeing paper-based bags. It’s more than just a packaging tweak — LEGO® is on a mission to reduce its environmental impact and the switch is a big part of it.
What’s Changed?
1. The paper-based bag rollout is already underway globally
- In November 2023, LEGO® announced that many boxes in Europe and Asia followed by America, would include paper-based bags instead of plastic ones.
- They report now that 93% of LEGO®’s packaging by weight is now made from paper, cardboard or other paper-based materials.
2. Paper bags are designed for durability and recyclability
- LEGO® tested around 180 different paper types to find a formulation that could survive manufacturing, transport and handling.
- The new bags are largely recyclable in regions where paper recycling is possible (EU, U.S., Canada) and made from FSC-certified or controlled sources.
- Some bags still include a thin plastic coating to provide strength and prevent tearing — so they’re not 100 % paper in every case.
3. Materials for the bricks themselves are shifting too
- In 2025, LEGO® launched a campaign called Built for Tomorrow, highlighting that half the materials they purchased for their bricks were from sustainable or renewable sources in 2024.
- They continue to push toward using more renewable or recycled content, reducing reliance on fossil-based plastics.
4. Emissions, climate goals and broader environmental commitments
- LEGO® has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 37% by 2032 (against a 2019 baseline).
- They also aim to make their business more circular, invest in renewable energy and reduce waste across supply chains
As builders, we know that small details make a big difference — and LEGO®’s move to paper bags shows exactly that. It’s a reminder that creativity and responsibility can go hand in hand, helping us all build a brighter, more sustainable future.