LEGOM CREATOR KIT
Principles of Sustainable Materials (2021)
Application of Sustainable Materials Research to Brand Sustainability
Bio-assisted Technology | Circularity | Conceptual
After in-depth research into LEGO's life cycle (materials, manufacturing, assembly, packaging, transportation, use, and disposal) we took the opportunity to sustainably revolutionize LEGO's materials, pigments, and brick shape. How might we move away from ABS plastic? How might we increase versatility in creativity and provide users with the experience of making their own LEGOMs at home?
The name LEGO is an abbreviation of the two Danish words "leg godt" meaning "play well". The 'M' in our related conceptual brand, LEGOM, comes from miljø, Danish for "environment". We promote playing well and doing so sustainably.
PROJECT DURATION
10 weeks
TEAM
Chengjun Li, Stefanie Perosa
Under the direction of Professor Saty Sharma
MY ROLE
Research: Conducted extensive secondary research into sustainable materials, LEGO's life cycle, algae bioplastics, and natural pigmentation
Conceptualization: Identified opportunities for improvement for the LEGO brand that maintains brand consistency. Advocated for the use of natural pigments and kit concept
Process Book: Alongside teammate, wrote content for team's process book and presentations to communicate our process and story
Poster: Designed team poster
CERTIFICATION
Through this class, I earned the Designing Cradle to Cradle Certified Products for the Circular Economy Certification from the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute
THE PROBLEM
Despite their commitment to contribute to a healthy, safe, and sustainable world, LEGO continues to manufacture their millions of bricks with ABS plastic due to its durability, high gloss, and precise cutting and molding capabilities. LEGO uses 58 different chemically based pigments for their vibrant colors and their sets can be financially inaccessible.
THE OPPORTUNITY
We have the opportunity to sustainably revolutionize LEGO’s materials, pigments, and brick shape. We also aim to increase accessibility, and advance education. We want to move away from ABS plastic and identify new brick materials that are naturally and sustainably pigmented while enhancing the user experience. We can rethink the ways in which LEGO sets can be constructed, increasing versatility in creativity and providing kids, teens, and adults alike with the opportunity to make their own LEGOMs at home.
THE SOLUTION
LEGOM Creator Kit is a uniquely designed triangular and rectangular brick kit. Builders can use the kit to become Master Creators by making their own bricks at home and utilize the triangles for endless assembly possibilities. In the process of making, builders can also understand the production process and the concept of environmental protection and sustainability.
The LEGOM Creator Kit has a LEGOM hot melt injection gun, 50 assorted color algae rods, a triangular and rectangular brick mold, and algae and LEGOM learning content.
STEP 1
Turn on your rod gun and pick your favorite color! Insert the rod into the back of the rod gun.
STEP 2
After the rod gun has warmed up, inject your algae into the injection port and plug the stopper.
STEP 3
Wait for the liquid to cool down completely (15 minutes). Unscrew the screw from your mold and take out the bioplastic brick.
STEP 4
Build to your heart's content!
NATURAL MATERIALS & PIGMENTS
3 out of our 7 offered rod colors are made from natural pigments; beets, turmeric, and chlorophyll. Algae bioplastic is renewable, non-toxic, sustainable, and durable. It requires less energy to produce, and decomposes more quickly than ABS plastic. This bioplastic is 100% organic and malleable when hot. When cooled, it is abrasive with high hardness and sharp edges - perfect for brick making! Algae's ability to grow quickly means that there is access to abundant material at a low cost. Its extracts can be used as thickener and filler.
CLOSING THE LOOP
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation describes closing the loop for a circular economy as eliminating waste and pollution, circulating products and materials, and regenerating nature. With LEGOM, we move beyond the linear model of "take, make, and waste" in design and production and instead into a regenerative model that is less wasteful and harmful for people and planet.
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