The LEGO Group recently revealed a new prototype and it's the first-ever recycled plastic LEGO. Created from PET plastic made from discarded bottles, it's the first toy brick of its kind to be created from recycled materials. In 2018, the brand revealed polyethylene plastic pieces made from sugarcane waste-derived ethanol and this soft material was only able to create soft, semi-flexible items like plants and trees, and not the classic bricks. Now, LEGO has found a potential solution that offers the same rigidity and durability as its original pieces.
Although it will likely be a few more years before the recycled plastic LEGO in the developmental stages is made available for purchase, it has the potential to help the brand meet more of its sustainability goals.
Recycled Plastic Toy Bricks
The First Recycled Plastic LEGO is Made from Discarded Bottles
Trend Themes
1. Recycled Toy Industry - The use of recycled materials in toy production as a trend, offering sustainable and eco-friendly options for parents and their kids.
2. Green Manufacturing - The shift towards eco-friendly manufacturing and production methods to reduce waste and carbon footprints in all industries, including toy production.
3. Circular Economic Model - The implementation of a circular economic model in the toy industry which promotes the reuse and recycling of materials to create a more sustainable supply chain.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Industry - The application of the use of recycled materials in the production of toys can disrupt the traditional toy industry and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
2. Plastics Manufacturing Industry - The emergence of recycled plastic products is a potential opportunity for overall plastic waste reduction and an increased push towards more sustainable manufacturing practices.
3. Waste Management Industry - The rise of recycled plastic products like LEGO bricks can create new opportunities for companies in the waste management industry to partner with businesses in different sectors to help manage and repurpose waste materials.