Lego deterioration?

[dr_spock]

24 minutes ago, hagridshut said:

Has there been any move towards widespread use of "biodegradable" bricks?  

I remember a few years ago, there was a plant/foliage polybag that had pieces made of plant-based plastics, but I don't know if those are biodegradable, or if Lego continued to use that plastic formulation for anything going forward.

I believe LEGO uses polyethylene for their plant pieces.  Polyethylene can be made from crude oil or sugar cane.  PE is not a biodegradable plastic.

 

3 hours ago, The Reader said:

When I compare my old Lego dating from the 1980s with my new Lego from nowadays the old bricks seem to be much harder. The new bricks feel like soft. I am even afraid to damage them with my finger nails when dissassembling them.

It could be possible that old ABS feels harder over time due to the elastomer losing its elasticity like old rubber bands.  You can use a brick separator to avoid hard fingernail scratches.

[The Reader]

@dr_spockThanks! Regarding the "softness" of the new bricks a brick separator really makes sense.