Lidl reveals plan to reduce in-store plastic

Lidl has announced a series of new initiatives as part of its REset Plastic strategy, in order to eliminate plastic waste and support the continued reduction and recyclability of plastics in its stores.

The discounter has confirmed plans to replace all single use fruit and vegetable plastic bags with compostable bags. This will result in the removal of 275 tonnes of conventional single use plastic. 

As well as the new compostable bags, Lidl is also launching a trial plastic bag and wrapping recycling scheme across 12 stores in the West Midlands, with a plan to expand the scheme nationwide if successful. 

The trial, which is due to be rolled out next month, will enable customers to return ‘soft plastic’ packaging easily that is not collected from homes by more than 80% of UK local authorities in the UK. 

Customers will be able to return their soft plastic packaging at drop-off points at the front of Lidl stores. Lidl will recycle eligible soft plastics into products. 

Lidl said they are committed to making “100% of its own brand packaging widely recyclable, reusable or refillable by 2025”. This year Lidl hit its target of ensuring 50% of packaging is made from recycled materials, and reduced plastic by 18.5%. 

Christian Härtnagel, CEO at Lidl GB, said: “At Lidl GB we are committed to tackling excessive plastic waste and our compostable fruit and vegetable bags are the latest innovation to help limit the amount of plastic in our environment. 

“By offering convenient solutions such as compostable bags and making it easier for customers to recycle more plastic through our in-store drop off points, we are hoping to give customers the opportunity to take small steps to reduce and recycle their plastic packaging.”  

Helen Bird, strategic technical manager, WRAP, said: “While we need to reduce single use packaging where possible, where it’s not, packaging must be recyclable and that’s what members of The UK Plastics Pact have pledged to do by 2025.”