LEGO Reveals Prototype Brick Made From Recycled Plastic Bottles

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Danish toy producer LEGO is globe renowned for developing colorful, plastic bricks, but the brand has not long ago turn into much more eco-pleasant. In 2018, the organization designed its 1st-at any time sustainable selection made from sugarcane and now, LEGO has appear even further more in its mission to decrease plastic squander. The brand name not long ago unveiled a prototype brick built from recycled plastic bottles—the very first of LEGO’s goods manufactured from a recycled content.

A staff of about 150 men and women have been doing the job around the earlier 3 decades on building the prototype. They analyzed above 250 PET components (polyethylene terephthalate) and lots of other plastic formulation in order to obtain a materials that meets LEGO’s top quality and safety expectations. They at last settled on working with PET plastic from discarded bottles in the United States. On typical, a one particular-liter plastic PET bottle gives ample uncooked content for 10 2 x 4 LEGO bricks. To make them, the recycled plastic is compounded with strengthening additives working with bespoke engineering.

“We are tremendous enthusiastic about this breakthrough,” suggests Tim Brooks, vice president of environmental accountability at the LEGO Group. “The major problem on our sustainability journey is rethinking and innovating new elements that are as long lasting, solid, and large high quality as our existing bricks—and healthy with LEGO factors produced more than the earlier 60 many years.” He adds, “With this prototype we’re equipped to showcase the progress we’re making.”

Irrespective of the thrilling information, it will however be some time prior to we see LEGO’s recycled plastic bricks on retailer cabinets. Ahead of the prototype is approved for generation, even further checks need to be accomplished, which could just take all-around a calendar year. “Even though it will be a although prior to they will be able to engage in with bricks produced from recycled plastic, we want to allow young ones know we’re operating on it and bring them along on the journey with us,” says Brooks. “Experimentation and failing is an important element of learning and innovation. Just as young children construct, unbuild, and rebuild with LEGO bricks at house, we’re carrying out the similar in our lab.”

The recycled plastic brick is a big accomplishment for LEGO, which is dedicated to constructing a sustainable potential. The enterprise has promised to invest up to $400 million in excess of 3 decades in purchase to fund its eco-helpful initiatives. “We want our goods to have a constructive influence on the world, not just with the enjoy they inspire, but also with the elements we use,” claims Brooks. “We however have a very long way to go on our journey but are pleased with the progress we’re making.”

Examine out the recycled plastic prototype underneath and come across out even additional about it on the LEGO site.