Lego has spent the past seven years trying to make its blocks with plastic derived from plants, but it keeps hitting brick walls
By Saabira Chaudhuri Updated June 12, 2019 5:40 a.m. ET Photo: Stephanie Aaronson/The Wall Street Journal BILLUND, Denmark—Lego A/S has spent the past seven years trying to make its blocks with plastic derived from plants, but it keeps hitting brick walls.
For now, pressure on Lego is self-imposed. Consumer and regulatory concerns about plastic have focused on single-use products such as straws and bags, not toys. But worries about climate change are broadening scrutiny, and executives want to protect Lego’s wholesome image. Pipes transport the resin through the factory to be dyed, heated and fed into molding machines to form Lego pieces.
Lego’s slow progress is emblematic of a broader struggle to use plants like corn and sugar cane instead of oil to make plastic, which advocates say would lower greenhouse-gas emissions. A Lego display at the company’s experience center in Billund, Denmark. Photo: Saabira Chaudhuri/The Wall Street Journal To spur production, European Bioplastics is lobbying governments to introduce financial incentives for bioplastics and move their focus beyond recycling.
Last year Lego started selling toy trees, bushes and leaves made from plastic derived from sugar cane grown in Brazil. These softer Lego pieces mimic oil-based polyethylene.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Beyond Meat is launching a 'meatier' version of its plant-based burgerThe new formula, which more closely mimics the texture of beef, comes as Tyson Foods and Nestle prepare to launch their own plant-based meats.
Read more »
Abandoned newborn girl found alive in plastic grocery bagGeorgia authorities searching for information after they say an abandoned newborn girl was found alive in a plastic grocery bag.
Read more »
Canada plans to ban plastic straws, bags, cutlery by 2021Canada plans to ban some single-use plastics like straws, bags and cutlery by early 2021 to reduce non-recyclable waste and protect the world's oceans.
Read more »
Plastic Or Glass: Which Food Storage Container Is Best?All the factors to take into consideration when choosing your tupperware.
Read more »
Bottled water giants back new global plan to cut plastic wasteThe world's biggest yoghurt maker Danone and food packaging giant Tetra Pak are among companies leading a global scheme to reduce plastic waste, launched on Tuesday, as public concern rises over the environmental damage caused by rubbish. The 3R Initiative - also backed by Swiss food giant Nestle
Read more »
The Best Plastic Surgeons By Body Part from Around the WorldWhether you're looking for a tweak to your nose, or a full neck lift, here are 10 plastic surgeons to know now.
Read more »