The issue of environmental protection is becoming increasingly serious, and people in every country are finding ways to save energy and reduce emissions. As a world-renowned company, LEGO has consistently made significant efforts in addressing environmental concerns. Let’s take a look at the latest steps LEGO has taken in sustainability!

LEGO Replaces Plastic Packaging with Paper Bags

Remember back in 2020 when we first saw LEGO officially announce its sustainability plan, introducing a major initiative—to replace plastic packaging with paper bags? LEGO Group aims to make all packaging materials environmentally friendly by 2025, gradually phasing out single-use plastic bags in favor of recyclable paper bags.

Before this, LEGO officially tested the acceptance of these recyclable paper bags among different groups in September 2020. The testing continued into 2021 and gradually led to small-scale production.

Currently, almost all the new sets we purchase use paper bag packaging, with only a very few exceptions (such as the 75385 Ahsoka Tano vs. Peridea Showdown set, which still contains plastic packaging). However, the LEGO Group’s sustainability plan goes far beyond this.

LEGO Plans to Eliminate Paper Instructions

Since last year, there have been rumors that LEGO plans to eliminate paper instruction manuals in favor of free electronic versions. Currently, this plan has already begun implementation and is undergoing testing.

Through a quick survey available in LEGO’s official member rewards program, we have learned that LEGO has already begun implementing its plan to eliminate paper instruction manuals and has conducted related testing.

The survey aims to explore the future of LEGO building instructions and the possibility of transitioning to digital guides. It contains eight questions, focusing on consumers’ willingness to purchase LEGO sets without paper instruction manuals and their acceptance of corresponding incentives. Participants who complete the survey will receive 50 points as a reward.

LEGO Sets without Paper Instructions

In addition to the ongoing survey testing, LEGO has actually been experimenting with removing paper instruction manuals in many of its sets.

For example, the 40748 Batman™ 8-in-1 Buildable Figure set includes only the building instructions for the Bronze Age Batman. The instructions for the other seven models are available on the official website or through the LEGO Builder app.

Additionally, some overseas fans have pointed out that when purchasing LEGO Super Mario series sets (excluding D2C sets), you also need to download the LEGO Super Mario app and use a digital device to access the building instructions.

Admittedly, the app interface is very user-friendly and does not impact the building experience at all. Additionally, the LEGO VIDIYO series (LEGO’s AR product) heavily relies on its accompanying app for gameplay.

LEGO VIDIYO: A product series launched in 2021 as a collaboration between the LEGO Group and Universal Music Group, combining physical LEGO bricks with a digital music experience. The aim was to allow children to create and share music videos. By using special bricks called “BeatBits,” users could unlock effects and other content in the app. Scanning minifigures and BeatBits enabled video creation in augmented reality. However, due to poor market response, LEGO discontinued production of the series in 2022.

Other Reasons Cause LEGO Abandon Paper Instructions

Of course, This is also related to the continued rise in pulp prices. As of August 2024, the price of major international pulp futures has increased compared to the same period last year, a rise of about 9.35%.

Additionally, the weight of instruction manuals in LEGO packaging has also been increasing. Cost and environmental concerns are likely the main driving forces behind LEGO’s plan to eliminate paper manuals.

Of course, this also likely includes LEGO’s ongoing efforts to deepen user relationship management. By using apps like LEGO Builder and the LEGO Super Mario app, they are bringing users into LEGO’s private domain groups. This allows LEGO to not only better serve users and develop new gameplay options, but also to create new products based on user preferences and behavior.

Moreover, we’ve noticed that LEGO is speeding up the process of phasing out paper manuals. For the Duplo series aimed at children, they’ve added interactive content that can only be accessed via mobile devices, including digital manuals, voice guidance, and features like more intuitive video demonstrations and storytelling.

LEGO Instructions Survey Detailed Questions

Here are all the questions from the survey—let’s see which ones you would choose!

Would you be willing to participate in a survey and receive a reward?

Single choice:

• Yes
• No

Are you interested in joining our sustainability initiative by purchasing LEGO sets without paper instructions and using the interactive 3D instructions available for free on the LEGO® Builder app to build?

Single choice:

• Yes, I’m Interested
• No, I’m not interested

If there were no paper instruction manuals, would you still buy LEGO® sets?

Single choice:

• It helps make a more sustainable choice
• A discount on my next purchase
• Alternative building instructions available through the LEGO® Builder app
• Earn loyalty points
• LEGO’s warehouse eco-friendly standard edition
• I can’t imagine building without paper instructions

If you were to buy a LEGO set that didn’t come with a paper instruction manual, who would you buy it for? (Single choice)

• My child/children
• Friends’ and family members’ children
• Other adults

Have you tried using the interactive 3D instructions in the LEGO® Builder app while building a LEGO set this year? (Single choice)

• Yes
• No

Which features have you used when using digital instructions to build? (Multiple choice)

• Zoomable and rotatable 3D instructions
• Fun animations and videos were provided during the building process
• “Build Together” mode to build with family and friends
• Downloadable PDF version available on LEGO’s official website
• I haven’t used digital instructions

Which features of digital instruction manuals do you like? (Single choice)

• 3D instructions that can be zoomed and rotated
• Fun animations and videos were provided during the building process
• The “Build Together” mode for building with family and friends
• Downloadable PDF versions from the LEGO website
• I have not used digital instruction manuals

In the past 12 months, how many LEGO sets have you purchased from LEGO.com? (Single choice)

• None
• 1 to 2 sets
• 3 to 5 sets
• 5 sets or more

I’m not sure if this is truly a win-win situation, but as a LEGO enthusiast, I really don’t enjoy carrying my phone or other electronic devices when relaxing. Paper manuals are much more convenient for me.

In conclusion, while the trend towards digital manuals is clear, I still hope LEGO will retain some sets with paper instructions for people like me who prefer them.