LEGO Instructions Sept. Survey – No more paper instructions?

As environmental protection becomes more pressing, people everywhere seek ways to cut emissions and save energy. LEGO, a well-known corporation, has continuously taken significant steps to address environmental issues. Let's examine LEGO's most recent sustainability initiatives!

LEGO Replaces Plastic Packaging with Paper Bags

Recall how LEGO formally unveiled its sustainability goal in 2020, launching a significant project: switching from plastic to paper bags for packaging. By 2025, the LEGO Group wants all packaging materials to be eco-friendly, gradually replacing single-use plastic bags with recyclable paper bags.

Before this, in September 2020, LEGO formally examined how well various groups received these recycled paper bags. The testing eventually resulted in small-scale production, which continued until 2021.

Nowadays, with very few exceptions (like the 75385 Ahsoka Tano vs Peridea Showdown set, which still comes in plastic packaging), practically every new set we buy comes in paper bag packing. But this is a tiny part of the LEGO Group's sustainability strategy.

LEGO Plans to Eliminate Paper Instructions

Rumours have been circulating since last year that LEGO intends to replace paper instruction manuals with free electronic copies. This plan is now being tested and has already started to be implemented.

According to a brief survey in LEGO's official member rewards program, the company has already started testing related to its desire to eliminate paper instruction manuals.

The poll aims to investigate the potential for a shift to digital guides and the future of LEGO building instructions. The main topics of this eight-question survey are customers' readiness to buy LEGO kits without paper instruction manuals and their acceptance of related incentives. Those who finish the survey will be rewarded with 50 points.

LEGO Sets without Paper Instructions

LEGO has been experimenting with eliminating paper instruction manuals from several of its kits in addition to continuous survey testing.

For instance, only the Bronze Age Batman building instructions are included in the 40748 Batman™ 8-in-1 Buildable Figure kit. The LEGO Builder app or the official website has the instructions for the following seven models.

Furthermore, several fans from other countries have brought attention to the fact that to access the construction instructions for LEGO Super Mario series kits (apart from D2C sets), you must download the LEGO Super Mario app and use a digital device.

The app interface is straightforward and does not affect the construction experience. Furthermore, the gameplay of LEGO's augmented reality product, the VIDIYO series, largely depends on the companion app.

LEGO VIDIYO:In 2021, the LEGO Group and Universal Music Group collaborated to produce a product line that combined digital music with actual LEGO blocks. Encouraging kids to make and share music videos was the goal. Users could unlock effects and other material in the app by utilizing unique bricks known as "BeatBits." BeatBits and scanning minifigures made it possible to create videos in augmented reality. However, LEGO stopped making the series in 2022 because of the unsatisfactory reception from the market.

Other Reasons Cause LEGO Abandon Paper Instructions

Naturally, this is related to the ongoing increase in pulp prices. As of August 2024, the cost of key international pulp futures had risen by around 9.35% compared to the previous year's period.

Furthermore, instruction manuals have been getting heavier in LEGO packaging. The primary motivations for LEGO's desire to do away with paper manuals are cost and environmental concerns.

LEGO's continuous attempts to improve user interaction management are also included. They integrate users into LEGO's private domain groups through LEGO Builder and the LEGO Super Mario app. This enables LEGO to produce new goods based on customer preferences and behaviour, improve user service, and create additional gameplay choices.

Additionally, we've observed that LEGO is expediting the phase-out of printed manuals. Interactive content that is only accessible through mobile devices has been introduced to the kid-friendly Duplo line. This content includes voice instruction, digital manuals, and more user-friendly video demos and storytelling.

LEGO Instructions Survey Detailed Questions

The survey's questions are all listed here; let's see which ones you would select!

Would you be open to participating in a survey in exchange for a reward?

Single choice:

  • Yes
  • No

Would you like to participate in our sustainability campaign by buying LEGO sets without paper instructions and building them using the free interactive 3D building instructions on the LEGO® Builder app?

Single choice:

  • Yes, I'm Interested
  • No, I'm not interested.

Would you still purchase LEGO® kits if instruction manuals were no longer printed on paper?

Single choice:

  • It facilitates choosing a more sustainable option.
  • A reduction on my subsequent acquisition
  • The LEGO® Builder app offers alternate building instructions.
  • Get points for loyalty.
  • The basic version of LEGO's eco-friendly warehouse
  • Building without written instructions is unthinkable.

Who would you purchase a LEGO set for if it didn't include a printed instruction manual? (One option)

  • My child or children
  • Children of family relations and friends
  • Other grownups

Have you built a LEGO set this year using the interactive 3D instructions in the LEGO® Builder app? (One option)

  • Yes
  • No

What features have you utilized when building with digital instructions? (Multiple-choice)

  • Rotatable and zoomable three-dimensional instructions
  • During the building process, entertaining animations and movies were available in the "Build Together" mode for family and friend construction.
  • The LEGO website offers a downloadable PDF version.
  • I haven't followed any digital directions.

What aspects of digital instruction manuals appeal to you? (One option)

  • Zoomable and rotatable 3D instructions
  • While construction was underway, entertaining animations and movies were available.
  • The "Build Together" mode allows you to construct with friends and family.
  • I haven't used digital instruction manuals, although the LEGO website offers downloadable PDF copies.

How many LEGO sets have you bought from LEGO.com in the last 12 months? (One option)

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

As a LEGO aficionado, I'm unsure if this is a win-win situation, but I don't particularly like having my phone or other electronics with me when I'm unwinding. Paper manuals are far more convenient.

In conclusion, I hope LEGO will continue to produce certain sets with paper instructions for individuals like myself who appreciate them, even though the trend toward digital manuals is evident.