The first LEGO bricks made from sugar cane arrive in 2018

LEGO announces today that the first bricks made from biopolyethylene will be delivered in certain sets released in 2018.

Botanical items from the LEGO inventory like trees, leaves and bushes will indeed be made from ethanol from the distillation of sugar cane. LEGO promises that this "green" polyethylene will be at least as durable, flexible and tough as the plastic currently in use. For lack of hindsight, take LEGO at its word for now.

This biopolyethylene is not biodegradable but it is however recyclable via the same processes as conventional polyethylene.

We are still a long way from a total change in base material for the entire LEGO production, the use of biopolyethylene will only affect 1 to 2% of current production and the great debate over LEGO's contribution to the deforestation with a view to intensive cultivation of sugar cane, which allows the production of ethanol, is not for now.

(See the press release)