Lidl reduced food waste by 43% since 2016, report finds

Lidl has reduced its food waste by almost half (43%) since 2016, according to the retailer’s fourth ‘Good Food’ report, which means that the retailer is on track to hit its 50% reduction target by 2030.

According to Lidl, providing more meals to charity has helped reach this milestone. 

Last year, the retailer also prevented nearly 9,000 tonnes of food waste through the sale of 1.7 million ‘Too Good to Waste’ boxes. 

Reducing other forms of waste has also been a key priority and 95% of Lidl’s own-brand packaging is now recyclable, reusable, renewable or refillable. From loose produce, to compostable fruit and veg bags, which can be reused at home as food waste caddy liners, to new recyclable packaging on mushrooms.

Overall, Lidl has cut the amount of plastic packaging across its own-brand ranges by 29% since 2017 and aims to achieve a 40% reduction by 2025. 

Through its partnership with Prevented Ocean Plastic, the discounter has also stopped the equivalent of 15 million plastic bottles from entering the ocean.  

Meanwhile, as of February 2023, 45% of Lidl’s British fruit and veg suppliers were LEAF Marque certified – a gold standard in sustainable farming – meaning they have robust water and nature conservation plans in place. This figure will reach 100% by the end of the year.

Mark Newbold, senior CSR manager at Lidl GB, said: “At Lidl, we strive to work in a way that benefits our people, our producers, and the planet. This means finding new, more sustainable ways to deliver on quality and value for shoppers. 

“Little changes make a big difference – and we know they matter to our customers. We’re proud to have made such positive strides and we’re doubling down in order to meet the ambitious goals we have set.”