The LEGO Group announced the introduction of a new, more sustainable material for selected LEGO tires, made from recycled fishing nets, ropes, and engine oil.
The material is created by repurposing discarded ropes and nets from ocean vessels which is then combined with recycled engine oil to reduce reliance of virgin fossil fuel-based ingredients. It will initially be used in seven LEGO tire pieces, each containing at least 30% recycled content.
The new tires have already started appearing in LEGO sets— indistinguishable from existing tires fans know and love. The company expects these new tires to be used in approximately 120 different sets by the end of 2025 and plans to explore ways to expand recycled content across more tire styles in the near future.
Chief Sustainability Officer Annette Stube said:
“This is an exciting step in our ambition to make LEGO products more sustainable and reduce our dependence on virgin fossil fuels. Over the past five years, we have invested significant time in developing and testing this new recycled material to ensure it meets our high standards for quality, safety, and durability. The tires are just one of many options we’re working on to make our products more sustainable and it’s encouraging to see something this innovative making it into our sets.”
The journey towards more sustainable products
The introduction of this material, known as rSEBS*, is part of the company’s broader efforts to make LEGO Group bricks and packaging from more sustainable materials. There is no single solution to the challenges of sustainability, which is why the company is exploring a range of solutions to reduce its environmental footprint and make its products from more renewable and recycled materials. To date, the LEGO Group has tested over 600 different materials for its bricks and elements.
About the LEGO Group
The LEGO Group’s mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through the power of play. The LEGO System in Play, with its foundation in LEGO bricks, allows children and fans to build and rebuild anything they can imagine. The LEGO Group was founded in Billund, Denmark in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, its name derived from the two Danish words LEg GOdt, which mean “Play Well”.