It is not particularly new or even something that hasn’t been debated or talked in the forums but it is always good to know that there is a specific intention of achieving it. Lego intends to reduce the size of the boxes saving almost 20% of the cardboard in the manufacturing and assembling process.

Of course that the environment also appreciates that, after all there are less grubbed trees and less carbon dioxide that is released to the atmosphere. But on the other hand that downsizing represents a cost reduction not only in terms of logistics but also in terms of transportation.

Shouldn’t part of this save be passed somehow to their consumers, fans and faithful or regular buyers? It’s true that this is a process that might be considered somehow an enterprise efficiency but I think and I guess that most of you too that that it also should traduce in lower prices (yes, and I am Santa Claus!!).

There we already some experiences in previous years and results, apparently we’re quite satisfactory. Have a look at the complete press release:

In 2013 the LEGO Group will introduce a new series of environmentally friendly, smaller LEGO boxes containing the same number of LEGO bricks. The change will reduce the LEGO Group’s annual consumption of cardboard for boxes by about 4,000 tons depending on the number of sets sold.

 

At the same time the cardboard used in the new boxes will carry FSC certification. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) is an international certificate guaranteeing that paper, cardboard, etc., comes from sustainable forests.

 

“We are introducing the new boxes as an environmental measure, and hope at the same time that consumers will welcome the visible change. We’re reducing the size of our boxes because we think it makes sense for shoppers, customers and for our business – and because we harbour an ambition to exert a positive effect on our surroundings. We believe we share responsibility for our planet, the wider community, and the generations who will follow us,” says Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, CEO of the LEGO Group.

 

In 2013 all new products launched will be packed in smaller boxes, and by 2015 all LEGO products on the market will be packed in the smaller boxes. The change will reduce the CO2 impact from packaging by about 10%, and the smaller boxes will make it possible to save approx. 18% of the cardboard used for LEGO boxes.

 

New boxes a benefit everyone

The reason for the LEGO Group’s focus on reducing packaging is that approx. 15% of the Group’s total CO2 impact is associated with its packaging. But the new boxes are good news not only for the environment.

 

“Consumers will find it easier to handle the packaging, retailers will have space for more boxes on their shelves, and we’ll use less energy in transporting the goods to the shops. So it’s a win win situation for everybody,” says John Goodwin, CFO of the LEGO Group.

 

Benefits from invisible improvements

The LEGO Group is currently engaged in a number of other initiatives which may not be as visible to the consumer but nevertheless have a major effect on the environmental impact.

 

Roughly a quarter of the LEGO Group’s total carbon emissions stem from the manufacturing of LEGO bricks. Efforts are therefore being made to mould LEGO elements more efficiently.

 

John Goodwin: “In 2012 we improved the energy efficiency of our production by 4.1%. Reducing energy consumption by that much really does make a difference to the environment – even though it may not be visible to shoppers.”

 

Investment in wind energy

Over the past five years the LEGO Group has increased its sales by more than 15% a year – and this rate of growth has brought the Group’s environmental impact into stronger focus. In 2012 the LEGO Group – via its parent company – invested in an offshore wind park off northern Germany.

 

“It’s an investment I’m proud of because it means that by 2015 we will be generating renewable energy corresponding to our own energy consumption for many years ahead,” says Jørgen Vig Knudstorp.

 

The amount of sustainable energy from the off-shore wind farm will correspond to the annual power consumption of about 100,000 households.

 

You can read more about LEGO Group activities and results in sustainability and other fields in the company’s Progress Report.

Facts:

References in the text to “the LEGO Group’s total CO2 impact” relate to carbon emissions from areas such as:

• Transport

• Production

• Packaging

• Sales

• Recycling