The LEGO Group enters agreement to reduce fossil-based plastic

The LEGO Group, alongside two other companies related to energy and healthcare, are determined to replace some certain plastics with lower-carbon alternatives.

The agreement between leading healthcare company Novo Nordisk, European Energy and the LEGO Group will see further investment in transitioning away from using fossil fuels, which aims to move progress across research into these technologies.

Dorethe Nielsen, Vice President of Corporate Environmental Strategy at Novo Nordisk, says: “With our environmental strategy, Circular for Zero, we have set an ambition to have zero environmental impact, and innovation is a key driver to get there. Hopefully, this project can encourage more partners to get involved in the decarbonisation of plastic production.”

The project will be fueled by the production of e-methanol, which is produced using renewable energy, and can then be used to produce plastic. Novo Nordisk aims to use the substance in medical devices such as insulin pens, and the LEGO Group can naturally work the substance into elements of their portfolio. 

At this time, it’s not clear exactly what prototypes will use e-methanol, but the agreement will allow the LEGO Group to implement the substance where possible and continue to use it for their plastic products in the longer term.

The LEGO Group is fairly well known for their ongoing commitment to supporting the environment, with Nelleke van der Puil, Vice President of Materials at the LEGO Group adding: “As part of our commitment to building a sustainable future for children, we have committed to making our products from more sustainable materials.”

She goes on to explain that e-methanol will be the third sustainable material that the LEGO Group is currently working on progress for, and that ‘this agreement is an exciting step towards our ambition’.

The first batch of e-methanol, produced in Kassø, Denmark, is expected to be delivered next year.

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