Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : The LEGO introduces tires made from recycled fishing nets and engine oil

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Lego Introduces Sustainable Tires Made From Recycled Ocean Materials:

The Lego Group has unveiled a new, eco-friendly initiative by incorporating a sustainable material for select Lego tires, sourced from recycled fishing nets, ropes, and engine oil. This move is part of the Lego’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and making its products more sustainable.

According to the company, the new material is crafted by repurposing discarded ropes and fishing nets from ocean vessels. These are combined with recycled engine oil, effectively reducing the need for virgin fossil fuel-based ingredients. Initially, this material will be used in seven Lego tire pieces, each containing at least 30% recycled content. 

The new tires already appear in Lego sets, and the company said they are indistinguishable from the ones fans are familiar with. Lego anticipates that by the end of 2025, these tires will be included in approximately 120 different sets, with plans to expand the use of recycled content across additional tire styles in the future.

Over the last five years, Lego has invested significant time in developing and testing this new recycled material to ensure it meets our high standards for quality, safety, and durability. The tires are just one of many options they’re working on to make our products more sustainable & it’s encouraging to see something this innovative making it into their sets.

The new tire material, known as rSEBS, is part of Lego’s comprehensive strategy to transition its products to more sustainable materials. Lego has emphasized that there is no single solution to sustainability, which is why the company is exploring a variety of approaches to reduce its environmental impact and incorporate more renewable and recycled materials. 

To date, Lego has tested over 600 different materials for its bricks and other elements. Other key sustainability initiatives include:

Bio-polyethylene (bio-PE): Since 2018, Lego has used bio-PE, a flexible and durable plastic made from Brazilian sugarcane, in certain elements like minifigure accessories and botanical pieces. Today over 200 elements are made from bio-PE, with more than half of Lego sets containing at least one of these sustainable components.

Recycled artificial marble (arMABS): Starting in 2024, transparent Lego pieces, such as lightsabers, windscreens, and windows, will include 20% recycled content derived from artificial marble commonly used in kitchen countertops. The company aims to have more than 900 different arMABS elements in production, with these elements appearing in more than 85% of Lego sets once fully transitioned.

eMethanol: Lego is collaborating with industry partners to acquire e-methanol, a material produced by blending renewable energy with CO2 from bio-waste. This innovative material will be used to create ePOM, which is expected to feature in Lego elements, such as wheel axles, in the near future.

source:LEGO/ Plastics Today