‘Protecting the environment is a responsibility we take very seriously, and we know there is more to do’

This week, Lidl GB revealed new plans to further reduce its own-label plastic packaging by 40% by 2025.

The new target follows the retailer almost meeting its existing pledges of cutting back on its plastic use by 20% between 2017 and 2022. It has currently already reduced its own-label plastic use by 18%.

To further advance efforts to cut down on plastic waste, Lidl GB has also pledged to reduce the total amount of own-label packaging by 25% by 2025 and make all of its own label and branded packaging 100 % recyclable, reusable, refillable or renewable.

The new goals form part of the retailer’s movement to protect the environment and reduce plastic pollution, which is known to contribute to ocean acidification, jeopardise the natural habitat of marine life, and disturb the entire biogeo cycle causing unwanted problems to the whole marine ecosystem.

Considerable impact

The discount retailer has made a considerable impact with its plastic reduction strategy. So far, Lidl GB has removed over 1,500 tonnes of unrecyclable black plastic from stores, saved nearly 400 tonnes of plastic by removing lids from pots of creams and yoghurts, as well as reduced the plastic for its beef, lamb, poultry and milk packaging,

According to the discounter, it will also eliminate problematic plastic packaging, including black plastic, PVC and EPS, from its own label core food range by the end of this year.

‘Proud of the progress’

“Our unique business model allows us to adapt and innovate at pace and we are proud of the progress we have made to date in tackling excessive plastic use,” said Ryan McDonnell, chief commercial officer at Lidl GB.

“Protecting the environment is a responsibility we take very seriously, and we know there is more to do. This is why we have significantly expanded our targets to help accelerate the impact we are having on cutting plastics, and we’re proud to be working collaboratively with our suppliers to find solutions.”

The chain is also looking to collaborate with branded suppliers to help reduce plastic within stores and has warned existing suppliers that products, which do not meet these new standards will be delisted.

• Read: Lidl launches reusable fruit and veg bags

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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