Case study: Lego. Innovating for the future

In the industrial sector’s urgent push towards net zero emissions, the collaboration between Lego and Climeworks serves as a compelling case study of innovation, strategic investment, and skills development. As companies grapple with the complexities of reducing emissions, this partnership highlights the critical role of advanced technologies and skilled workforces in achieving environmental sustainability goals.

Lego’s $2.4 million investment in Climeworks’ carbon removal services demonstrates its commitment to tackling climate challenges head-on. This initiative is part of Lego’s broader ambition to achieve net zero emissions and underscores the importance of adopting cutting-edge technologies to mitigate environmental impact. Climeworks’ direct air capture and storage (DAC+S) technology exemplifies the kind of systemic innovation required to address the global carbon challenge.

As Annette Stube, Chief Sustainability Officer at LEGO Group, explains, “We were the first large toy company to announce a science-based emissions reduction target in 2020, and we want to continue to lead the way in finding innovative solutions for the challenges we face. This is why we are working with innovators like Climeworks—their technology, as part of a varied programme of initiatives, can help us and society as a whole realise the net-zero future that is needed to protect our planet for generations to come.”

Lego’s strategy is not solely focused on carbon removal. The company is working to reduce emissions across its factories, offices, stores, and supply chain, aiming for a 37% reduction in Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 2032 compared to 2019 levels. This multifaceted approach reflects the importance of integrating multiple strategies to achieve meaningful progress towards sustainability.

The collaboration also shines a light on the critical role of skills and innovation in driving change. Developing and deploying DAC+S technology requires expertise in engineering, environmental science, and sustainable business practices. For industrial leaders, investing in these specialised skills is essential to translating ambitious net zero goals into tangible outcomes. The partnership between Lego and Climeworks exemplifies how aligning with organisations that offer complementary expertise can accelerate progress, foster continuous learning, and amplify impact.

This collaboration serves as a powerful reminder to industrial leaders of the need to embrace innovative solutions and develop the skills required to navigate the complexities of the net zero transition. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has emphasised the necessity of carbon dioxide removal for achieving net negative emissions. For industrial companies, this underscores the importance of a multifaceted strategy combining technology, skills development, and collaboration.

Lego’s partnership with Climeworks offers valuable lessons for decision-makers in the industrial sector. By prioritising advanced technologies, fostering skilled workforces, and embracing strategic partnerships, companies can not only meet their sustainability targets but also unlock new opportunities for innovation and leadership. Achieving net zero is more than an environmental imperative—it is a strategic business opportunity that requires bold action, skilled leadership, and innovative collaboration.