Lidl will reduce use of plastics in Germany by at least 20 percent by 2025

In 2017 Lidl Germany became the first discounter to abolish the standard plastic bag. Now there are further concrete goals: By 2025, use of plastics at Lidl in Germany is to be reduced by at least 20 percent. The company wants to achieve this goal through measures regarding packaging and repackaging of private label products, which make up around 70 percent of the entire product range. At the same time, Lidl announced that it will ensure 100 percent recyclability of the plastic packaging for its own brands by 2025, thus supporting the European plastics strategy recently presented by the European Commission.

Avoid packaging - reduce plastic content
For years, Lidl has relied on the gradual avoidance and reduction of packaging materials while at the same time improving recycling possibilities. With the newly announced plan for reducing the use of plastic for its own brands by 20 percent by 2025, Lidl is continuing along this path. "For some time now, in close consultation with our suppliers we have been analyzing carefully where we do not have to use plastic and where we can resort to alternative packaging options." Lidl Germany has also been offering a large number of unpackaged, loose items in its fruit and vegetables departments for many years. “But we are also optimizing packaging concepts in other categories," says Jan Bock, Purchasing Manager at Lidl Germany. For example, the film thickness of "Grafschafter" toast packaging has recently been reduced by 25 percent and the package sizes of "Alesto" cashew nuts have been reduced by around 20 percent per pack. Thus Lidl adheres to the increasing desire of consumers for more sustainability in terms of packaging, as was confirmed in a recent survey by consulting firm PwC. Around 95 percent of the respondents were in favor of reducing the amount of packaging material.

Increase recyclability - Expand reusability across the board
Lidl is committed to advancing reusability processes across the country and throughout Germany in its approximately 3,200 branches and 39 logistics centers. For this purpose, the company has already created its own recycling cycle for PET bottles of the "Saskia" and "Freeway" private labels, which currently ensures a recycled content of more than 60 percent per bottle. Steps to reuse, for example, film material from logistics warehouses have also been implemented. "The plastics and films used in our branches and logistics centers are already consisting of 100 percent recycled material," explains Bock.

Standing strong together: Lidl relies on partnerships
Lidl's activities focus on working closely with specialist organizations and companies. For example, the Green Cycle -a company of the Schwarz Group, like Lidl- already plays an important role in the collection and recycling of plastic from the branches: "The plastic issue can only be effectively addressed if we work together within the network, where all the players are using their individual strengths. As Lidl, we can draw on innovative approaches from our national organizations throughout Europe as well as cooperation with partners from the corporate group," stated Bock.

Source: ots/lidl