Lego Goes Green: Toy maker introduces eco-friendly bricks

World
Europe

Danish toy maker Lego is investing 150 million dollars to create bricks that aren't harmful to the environment. Lego's first plant-based components were released in 2018. But now the company is introducing an eco-friendly set that has Lego fans excited. CGTN's Julie Scheier has more.

JULIE SCHEIERJOHANNESBURG, S. AFRICA "For years, this is what Lego bricks have looked and felt like. These building blocks have kept children entertained for generations. The much-loved toy brick company is now trying to save the planet one little piece at a time."

Lego released its first plant-based kit just weeks ago. It's made up of 3000 pieces, and all of the botanical features are made from eco-friendly plastic.

ROBERT GREENSTEIN, DIRECTOR GREAT YELLOW BRICK COMPANY "So this is the LEGO Ideas treehouse that was released internationally on the first of August. And you can see that all of these top elements, which, in a set or leaves, but are actually made out of cane and are completely biodegradable. And there are more plant elements around the set. And even here in some of the detail of the set."

Lego produces billions of components every year which travels to over 40 markets. It's hoping to transform its production line in the next 10 years.

ROBERT GREENSTEIN, DIRECTOR GREAT YELLOW BRICK COMPANY "So Lego's strategy by 2030 is to have all of their components that we use to build the sets with, completely sustainable by the year 2030. And by the year 2025, to have all packaging, and elements of the packaging, completely sustainable and biodegradable."

Lego is an important learning tool for millions of children. It's an equally fun hobby for adults. But don't throw away the iconic blocks just yet because they still fit perfectly with the new components.

LEGO FAN "I think it's a very clever idea, because it doesn't harm anyone, anyone or anything, it's very creative. And if you forget how to build it, you can just think of a new idea."

Plastic lego bricks have been around for 50 years. They are passed down through generations and seldom end up in landfill sites. But should one of the new eco-friendly blocks land in the trash, it will disappear a lot sooner than plastic. JS, CGTN JHB, SA.