The world’s largest tyre manufacturer rolls out sustainable tyres made from recycled fishing nets and engine oil

Lego, the world’s largest tyre manufacturer by volume, is making strides in sustainability by introducing a new tyre compound made from recycled fishing nets, ropes, and used engine oil. The innovative material, known as rSEBS (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene), incorporates over one-third recycled content, reducing the company's dependence on virgin fossil fuel-based ingredients.

The new tyres are already being included in select Lego sets, with a complete transition expected later this year. Annette Stube, Lego’s sustainability chief, commented on the development:

"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 tyres 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.”

Lego’s move is part of a broader initiative to improve the environmental impact of its products. The shift to rSEBS tyres aligns with the company's sustainability strategy, which includes goals to achieve carbon-neutral production and use sustainable materials across its entire product range.

Repurposing Ocean Waste and Engine Oil

The rSEBS material is created by repurposing discarded ropes and nets from ocean vessels, combined with recycled engine oil. The new tyre material will initially be used in seven specific Lego tyre pieces, each containing at least 30% recycled content. The new tyres are designed to be indistinguishable from existing products, maintaining the quality and play experience fans expect.

Lego's Broader Sustainability Initiatives

The introduction of rSEBS tyres is just one part of Lego’s ongoing sustainability journey. The company is exploring a range of solutions to reduce its environmental impact and increase the use of renewable and recycled materials. These include:

• Bio-polyethylene (bio-PE): Since 2018, Lego has used bio-PE, made from Brazilian sugarcane, for certain elements such as minifigure accessories and botanical pieces. Currently, more than 200 elements use bio-PE, with over half of all Lego sets containing at least one of these sustainable components.
• Recycled Artificial Marble (arMABS): Transparent Lego elements, including lightsabres, windscreens, and windows, now contain 20% recycled material derived from artificial marble. This material is expected to be present in more than 85% of Lego sets once fully transitioned.
• E-methanol and ePOM: Lego is collaborating with industry partners to integrate e-methanol, produced using renewable energy and CO2 from bio-waste, into its products. This material will contribute to the production of ePOM, which is expected to debut in wheel axles and other components soon.

Collaboration and Future Goals

Lego emphasises the importance of collaboration with suppliers, research institutions, and other industries to support the transition to renewable and recycled content. By partnering with experts from different fields, the company aims to accelerate progress towards a more sustainable future.

‍