LEGO challenges suppliers to push for net-zero targets

The LEGO Group is putting pressure on its global suppliers to push for net-zero targets as part of its own efforts to reduce emissions company-wide.

Having pledged to reach net-zero on emissions by 2050, the LEGO Group has laid out various plans to achieve its environmental targets. However, the company has revealed today in a statement that over 99% of the LEGO Group’s total carbon emissions come from outside its own operations, specifically from suppliers for the most part.

As such, the LEGO Group is now challenging its suppliers to reduce their own carbon emissions through the Supplier Sustainability Programme. It outlines key requirements and actions that suppliers need to take, including:

• Providing specific data on the amount of carbon associated with the products and services the LEGO Group purchases.
• Asking suppliers for near-term targets showing emission savings related to production of these products by 2026, and further by 2028.
• Collaborating to identify and develop the actions and initiatives suppliers need to take in order to meet the reduction goals set by the LEGO Group.
• Suppliers will need to share reports starting in 2024, and this will be an annual requirement going forward.

The strong language around “requirements” seems to suggest that these actions are non-negotiable for the LEGO Group. As a billion-dollar company, the financial pressure on its suppliers will hopefully be enough to spark some widespread environmental impact.

“To put it simply, a net-zero world is simply not possible unless we find solutions that are greater than our own operations,” said Annette Stube, Chief Sustainability Officer at the LEGO Group. “We will not be able to meet our sustainability targets alone – we have to work in partnership with our suppliers. We want children to inherit a healthy planet and there’s no time to waste.”

“Sustainability is a license to operate and a requirement of how we do business, including how we select our suppliers,” added Carsten Rasmussen, Chief Operations Officer at the LEGO Group. “We have ideas and we have a pathway, but we cannot do it alone. We need all our great partners to help us achieve our sustainability targets.”

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