Inside LEGO's Nature-Based Carbon Removal Partnerships

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LEGO is supporting carbon removal initiatives including biochar, enhanced rock weathering and reforestation solutions | Credit: The LEGO Group
LEGO invests US$2.75m in carbon removal projects, backing biochar, rock weathering & reforestation to boost its sustainability & climate responsibility

The LEGO Group has pledged US$2.75m towards a portfolio of carbon removal initiatives, furthering its commitment to sustainability.

Working in partnership with Climate Impact Partners and ClimeFi, the Danish toymaker is funding projects in biochar production, enhanced rock weathering and reforestation.

By investing in emerging technologies and nature-based solutions, LEGO aims to contribute to global carbon reduction efforts while assessing the viability of long-term mitigation strategies.

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What kind of carbon removal projects is LEGO investing in?

The funding supports three key areas: biochar, enhanced rock weathering and large-scale reforestation. These projects will generate carbon removal credits between 2024 and 2026, aligning with LEGO's broader sustainability ambitions.

Biochar is created by heating organic waste material in a low-oxygen environment, stabilising carbon and preventing it from re-entering the atmosphere.

Enhanced rock weathering, meanwhile, accelerates a natural geological process by spreading crushed rock over agricultural land, where it reacts with CO₂ and locks it away for millennia.

“These partnerships allow us to build our understanding of new technologies and practices to support a healthy planet for future generations,” says Annette Stube, LEGO's CSO.

“We are proud to support these initiatives which we believe will have a positive climate impact on the wider environmental ecosystem.”

Annette Stube, Chief Sustainability Officer of the LEGO Group | Credit: LEGO

Nature-based solutions are also central to LEGO's sustainability approach. The company has invested in a major reforestation project in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, which is managed by GreenTrees.

This initiative aims to restore more than 400,000 hectares of forest in an area that has suffered severe deforestation.

Beyond sequestering carbon, the reforestation project offers additional environmental benefits, such as improving biodiversity, enhancing flood resilience and reducing agricultural runoff into the Mississippi River.

"This is a leading example of how the private sector can drive real impact," says Sheri Hickok, CEO of Climate Impact Partners.

"Taking steps to reduce value chain emissions and simultaneously channelling finance to solutions like reforestation deliver beyond value chain impact."

Sheri Hickok, CEO of Climate Impact Partners | Credit: Climate Impact Partners

A calculated step towards net zero

The LEGO Group's commitment to carbon removal is part of a broader strategy to lower its carbon footprint.

The company has previously partnered with Climeworks to support direct air capture and storage technology, demonstrating a willingness to invest in scalable climate solutions.

However, purchasing carbon credits does not replace the need for companies to cut their own emissions at the source. Critics of corporate carbon offsetting argue that such investments can be used to delay meaningful internal reductions.

LEGO insists that these projects are complementary to its wider sustainability efforts, which include reducing emissions within its supply chain and manufacturing operations.

LEGO's funding decisions have been guided by rigorous due diligence processes, supported by sustainability consultancies and verified against global quality standards.

“The projects were carefully chosen based on ClimeFi's strict quality standards and underwent thorough technical review,” explains Paolo Piffaretti, CEO of ClimeFi.

“The LEGO Group's early adoption of these high-quality carbon removal solutions will help catalyse the growth of the carbon dioxide removal industry.”

Paolo Piffaretti, Co-Founder and CEO of ClimeFi | Credit: Paolo Piffaretti

Beyond offsets: Corporate responsibility in climate action

While carbon removal technologies are still in their early stages, corporate investment plays a vital role in accelerating their development. By funding both engineered and nature-based solutions, LEGO is supporting a diversified approach to climate mitigation.

These commitments come at a time when companies face increasing pressure to demonstrate tangible action on climate change.

Consumers and regulators alike are scrutinising sustainability claims, pushing businesses to adopt transparent and accountable strategies.

LEGO's involvement in carbon removal projects signals a recognition of this shift and an effort to remain at the forefront of corporate climate responsibility.

"Bold action is essential to ensure children inherit a healthy planet, and we are exploring innovative solutions to address the challenges we all face," Annette explains.


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