LEGO Moves Most Packaging from Plastic Bags to Paper

The LEGO Group, based in Denmark, has replaced more than half of its packaging bags from single-use plastic to paper as part of its ongoing sustainability efforts. So far, 56% of LEGO brick packaging lines have switched from plastic bags to paper-based bags.

The company started replacing single-use plastic bags inside boxes in 2022. The new inner bags are made from paper sourced from FSC-certified forests, recycled materials, and other controlled sources.

Currently, five LEGO factories are using paper bags. The rollout in China and Vietnam is nearly complete. LEGO plans to fully introduce paper bags in its Czech Republic and Hungary facilities by 2026, and in Mexico by 2027.

LEGO reports that, by weight, 93% of its total packaging is now made from paper, cardboard, or other paper-based materials.

The company also shared results from internal research showing that 81% of consumers care about recycling, and 80% are concerned about reducing waste, indicating that the packaging changes align well with the preferences of younger consumers. LEGO plans to continue improving its paper packaging lines to increase speed and eventually outperform traditional plastic packaging machines.

For the packaging industry, this move is seen as a milestone. Recently, 55 founding organizations committed to the new UK Packaging Pact, set to launch in April 2026. Led by WRAP and PackUK with support from the UK government, the agreement expands its focus from plastic to all packaging materials, aiming to drive change in design, reuse, recycling, and data integration across the industry.

source:lego